Frequent urination at night

The common medical term for individuals who suffer from going to the bathroom during the night is nocturia. This is actually a symptom that plagues many people and can be caused by something that is simple and easily treated or a complex medical condition. For this reason, it is important not to self diagnose but to see your primary care physician to seek out an accurate diagnosis for the correct treatment protocol that will help you sleep through the night.

Frequent urination at night is defined as the sudden urge to urinate while sleeping. This symptom can also be accompanied by some bladder discomfort. There are several reasons why individuals may suffer from nocturia. Some of these reasons are more common than others but the majority include drinking too many fluids late in the day, an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate cancer, prostate disorders, bladder disorders, irritable bladder syndrome, certain medications or over-the-counter drugs, excessive alcohol, kidney failure, excessive caffeine, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, diuretics, pregnancy, heart failure, and bladder infections.

To determine the correct cause, and therefore the most effective treatment protocol, physicians will also evaluate any other symptomatology which the patient is suffering along with nighttime urination. One of the more common causes of nocturia is an overactive bladder. The condition causes the muscle wall of the bladder to contract causing an unstoppable and sudden urge to urinate.

Interstitial cystitis is another diagnosis that can cause frequent urination at night. In this condition there is a chronic infection in the wall of the bladder that leads to inflammation and an increased urge to urinate. Other symptoms will include pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse and discomfort on urination. In severe cases patients have recorded going to the bathroom up to 60 times in a 24-hour period. (1)

Men who suffer from an enlarged prostate can also have frequent urination at night. The prostate gland is located below the scrotum and wraps around the urethra. When it becomes enlarged it blocks the flow of urine through the urethra and causes an irritation of the bladder wall. In these cases the bladder will begin to contract even when it is holding a small amount of urine. Men who suffer from this condition will also notice a weak urine stream, inability to urinate, dribbling after urination, straining to urinate and incontinence. (2)

Individuals who get up during the night frequently to use the bathroom should see their physician after attempting to decrease their fluid intake in the latter part of the day. If they continue to have frequent trips to the bathroom even though they stop drinking fluid after 5 p.m. or the number of bathroom visits interferes with normal work, travel or sleep they should schedule an appointment with their primary care physician. Individuals who have pain or burning when urinating or frequency that is accompanied by a constant urge to urinate should also see their primary care physician.

If individuals suffer from nighttime urination because of excessive alcohol or fluid intake, making simple lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the number of times they get up during the night. Individuals who must limit their caffeine should not consume anything that contains caffeine, including tea and chocolate, approximately 6 hours before going to bed. People who suffer because of excessive fluid intake should severely limit their fluid intake at least four hours before going to bed.

Individuals who suffer from cardiac problems or kidney problems may be required to use diuretics. These medications are also referred to as water pills because they help the body to purge any excess water. Because diuretics are used to get rid of excess water they can cause frequent night urination. People who are using diuretics should speak with their primary care physician to discuss possible alternative times or treatments so the body has time to excrete the water before going to bed.

When an individual lies down sometimes there is a redistribution of fluid as the bloodstream reabsorbs extra fluid from the extremities and soft tissue. This condition can cause frequent urination at night and those who believe they are experiencing this should consult with their physician to receive the proper treatment.

Other medical conditions that can cause frequent urination at night also include congestive heart failure, heart disease, insomnia, high blood pressure, vascular disease, sleep disorders and restless leg syndrome.

In any case, an individual must seek the advice and care of their primary care physician in order to be accurately diagnosed. Only through accurate diagnosis can the proper treatment protocols be recommended to increase the chances of success. Frequent urination at night can result in sleep deprivation and encourage insomnia. Address this problem with your primary care physician to ensure more optimal health and better rest.

(1) US National Library of Medicine: Interstitial Cystitis

(2) University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia