Nocturia – Excessive Nighttime Urination

Getting up to urinate once or more during a night is called “nocturia.” Normally, urine output decreases during the night. Most people can go between seven and nine hours at night without having to use the bathroom.

Causes of Nocturia

There are many possible causes for frequent nighttime urination. These include medical causes, illnesses and behaviors. Some example includes:

• Drinking too many liquids close to bedtime
• Injesting too much caffeine in the evening
• Drinking too much alcohol in the evening
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Urinary tract infection
• Medications
• Excessive vitamin D
• Damage to the nerves of the urinary system

Treating Nocturia

Reduce the amount of fluids you drink close to bedtime. If frequent urination continues, talk to your doctor. There may be simple solutions to nocturia, such as taking a certain medication earlier in the day, or treating a urinary tract infection. Other treatments will depend on the cause of the frequent urination.

More on Sleep Disorders and Sleep Problems

_Sources:

National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia