Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for many reasons, including functioning properly during the day and having a strong, healthy immune system. But if you wake frequently to use the bathroom, it could be due to a condition called nocturia. Here’s how to tell if you can’t stay asleep due to issues with your bladder, or if it’s related to something else.
What is Nocturia?
Although it is estimated that about 50 million people in the United States suffer from nocturia, unfortunately only about 10 million have received a proper diagnosis and just 1.5 million are undergoing treatment. Nocturia is the name of the condition which occurs when frequent nighttime urination prevents you from getting the sleep your body needs.
Nocturia can be caused by many things, including:
- Beginning a new medication, such as diuretic
- Urinary tract infection
- Bladder inflammation / spasms
- A bladder obstruction
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Overactive bladder
- Edema
- High blood pressure
- Restless leg syndrome
The Dangers of Untreated Nocturia
Although nocturia may not seem like a terribly dangerous condition, it can have many serious side effects if not treated. Frequent waking during the night could cause a variety of problems including cognitive impairment, fatigue, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
How is Nocturia Treated?
Because no case of nocturia is the same, it is important to discuss your symptoms with a qualified sleep doctor. Using information about your lifestyle and habits, they can help determine the root cause of your individual problem and formulate a treatment plan. Some options for this may include:
- Lifestyle changes such as leg elevation, fluid restriction, diuretic management, or naps.
- Medications that will lessen nocturia symptoms.
Is Nocturia a Bladder Condition, or a Sleep Condition?
The truth is, nocturia can be either a bladder or a sleep condition, depending on the individual. Whether you are waking up to urinate due to a bladder condition or as a result of a medication you’re taking, or you’re suffering from a sleep disorder that just so happens to wake you up long enough to use the bathroom, an evaluation from your sleep doctor can help not just determine the root cause, but find a solution that treats it.
To put an end to nocturia and finally get the sleep you deserve, speak to your sleep doctor today about your symptoms today.
About Our Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness – Dallas, our team of skilled sleep doctors and dentists are here to help get to the root cause of what’s stopping you from getting the restful night you deserve. Whether you suffer from a sleep disorder or a bladder problem, nocturia can negatively affect many facets of your daily life. Stop losing sleep and running to the restroom. Schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 469-331-5505.