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Urinary Incontinence

Nocturia

Having to urinate during the night can impact your life.

Nocturia can have a Variety of Causes

From drinking too much fluid at night is one. Another is taking medications that remove fluids from the body, particularly if taken at night.

Some medical conditions cause the body to produce an excessive amount of urine at night, increasing bathroom urges. These conditions include diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, lung disease and vascular disease.

Sleep disorders are another common cause, though making a diagnosis can be tricky. Sometimes, people wake because they feel the urge to urinate. Others wake because their sleep habits are poor and then urinate simply because they are awake.

What are the Symptoms of Nocturia?

Nocturia can indicate that you have an overactive bladder, which causes you to go to the bathroom frequently, day and night. Or nocturia might be a lone condition if you do not experience sudden urges or a frequent need to urinate during the day.

You may have nocturia if you:

  • Interrupt sleep two or more times a night to urinate.
  • Feel tired during the day from repeated trips to the bathroom at night.
  • Feel thirstier than usual.
  • Experience sleep deprivation.
  • Experience enuresis, or leaks during sleeping that do not wake you.

How is Nocturia Treated?

There are many options for managing nocturia, including:

  • Doing nothing. The condition is not dangerous; treatment is at your discretion. However, some underlying conditions associated with nocturia are serious and need to be treated.
  • Medication. There are numerous medications available to treat nocturia. Our doctors can determine which medication is most appropriate for the cause of your condition.
  • Managing your behavior. Sometimes, changing simple things can improve symptoms. For example, reducing nighttime fluid intake and elevating your feet before bedtime can help. Changing the time you take medication can help, too.
  • Treating the underlying condition. Our physicians will identify any underlying causes of nocturia and either treat them or direct you to other physicians who can. Sometimes, treating any underlying condition is as important as treating the nocturia.

ChristianaCare Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery

Christiana Hospital View Location

Medical Arts Pavilion 2
4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite 1208,
Newark, DE 19713

Wilmington Hospital View Location

501 West 14th Street
Gateway Building, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

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