Nocturia, the need to wake from sleep and urinate at least once a night, can lead to serious health complications. It may also indicate a serious, pre-existing health condition. Affecting both men and women of middle-age and older, nocturia should not be ignored or written off as “normal.”
Nocturia’s Serious Health Complications
The sleep disturbances caused by nocturia can lead to a myriad of complications that significantly affect quality of life. Inadequate sleep resulting from nocturia can cause depression. [1] Sleep disorders can cause physical health to suffer by way of dizziness, hypertension and increased sedentary lifestyle. This increased feeling of fatigue ruins daytime productivity and overall quality of life.
Causes of Nocturia
Nocturia may be a symptom of a variety of health conditions. It may represent a developing condition like chronic kidney disease. [2] It may also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, overactive bladder, diabetes, or, especially in older men — benign prostate enlargement. [3] Advanced age and inadequate sleep can also cause problems for proper bladder function.
Ailments Associated with Nocturia
Cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction, as well as an increased risk of stroke have been linked to nocturia. [4] Studies have also reported an increased risk of coronary heart disease in younger men…and an increased risk of hip fractures and death in older men. [5] [6] Frequent bouts of nocturia may further create a testosterone deficiency in men. [7]
Coping With Nocturia
Several strategies have proven successful in reducing and even eliminating the occurrence of nocturia. These range from drugs, nutritional supplements, surgery, and even simple lifestyle changes.
Pharmaceutical Options
Desmopressin, a drug used to treat bedwetting for children, has been prescribed more frequently for adults in recent years. However, like many pharmaceuticals, there are several concerns regarding this drug’s side effects. These include potential hyponatremia, as well as headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and death. [8] Another drug more frequently used to treat overactive bladder is botox (short for Botulinum toxin). While the effects may last for several months, serious questions remain about its safety. [9]
Surgical Solutions for Nocturia
Surgery should be the last resort, and for some men suffering from BPH (benign prostate hypoplasia) surgery has proven successful. Men who had part or all of their prostate removed have reported improved sleep and quality of life. [10] Despite this, surgery should remain a last resort only after all less invasive methods have been exhausted, especially those that focus on nutrition or lifestyle changes. Read more
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