When an individual wakes up more than once during the night to go to the bathroom, he is said to be suffering from a condition known as nocturia. Nocturia can occur due to various factors. It is more common in individuals above the age of sixty years. This can prove to be an annoying and bothersome condition for many individuals. It may also be a sign of an underlying problem. Nocturia treatment may involve medication and behavioral therapy. Certain preventive measures are also necessary to prevent further occurrences of the problem.
If nocturia is not a result of an underlying condition, it could be caused by various factors. Nocturia causes include consumption of alcohol, intake of certain medications such as diuretics and fluid redistribution. An individual may also suffer from nocturia due to consumption of excessive amounts of fluids and intake of too much caffeine. Nocturia in women may be linked to advancing age, menopause and childbirth. Excessive nighttime urination could also occur due to over-stimulation of the nerves and muscles than regulate urination. Nocturia can also be a side effect of several medical conditions. Many sleep disorders are known to cause nocturia. Other conditions that trigger nocturia include restless leg syndrome, hypertension, diabetes and vascular disease. Prostate cancer in advanced stages may also lead to symptom of nocturia. In case nocturia is a symptom of any such condition, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Nocturia symptoms include increased nighttime urination. A doctor makes a diagnosis of nocturia by examining the medical history and symptoms.
When the cause of nocturia is not an underlying condition, certain behavioral and lifestyle changes may help in nocturia treatment. These changes involve restricting the intake of liquids at night and elevation of the legs during sleep. Some people also benefit from taking a nap in the afternoon. Compression stockings may be prescribed in some cases. A combination of these nocturia treatments may also be beneficial, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any of them. There are also many medications that help in nocturia treatment. Some of these medications are focused on reducing over activity of the muscles that control urination. There are also some medications that help in reducing contractions of these muscles and increasing the bladder capacity. Some of the medications used to treat nocturia may have severe side effects and hence proper medical consultation is necessary before using them.