Nocturia - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Nocturia is a disorder characterized by the need to urinate several times during the night.

The repeated urination stimulation causes frequent awakenings, with impact on the quality of sleep; normally, you should be able to sleep for six to eight hours, without having to wake up to go to the bathroom.

Nocturia occurs more frequently in the elderly. The causes that cause this symptom are different and include:

Genitourinary disorders : ex. urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer;
Bladder dysfunction : urinary incontinence, detrusor overactivity, decreased distensibility and poor bladder capacity;
Metabolic problems and alterations of the water balance : ex. inadequately controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diabetes insipidus, hyperparathyroidism, chronic liver disease, peripheral edema, renal failure and heart failure;
Neurological disorders affecting bladder control : eg multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, trauma or spinal cord injury.

Nocturia can occur as a side effect of some drugs (including diuretics, antihypertensives and cardiotonics).

Even taking stimulating, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can produce the same effect.

Nocturia is one of the early signs of arterial hypertension; in this case, headaches, ear buzzing, dizziness and dyspnoea can be associated. Furthermore, it can manifest itself in case of pregnancy, menopause, anxiety, stress, constipation and sleep-related difficulties (eg sleep apnea, insomnia and chronic pain).