Is Nocturia a Serious Problem?

If you’re waking throughout the night, it’s likely that you’re not getting restful sleep, and neither is anyone sharing your bed. While some cases of nocturia are caused by medications or bad habits like drinking soda or coffee before bed, others might be caused by an underlying condition. With the help of a specialist, you can narrow it down.

SLENT has several locations, in Slidell, Hammond, and Mandeville, Louisiana. Our otolaryngology specialists treat a range of sleep disorders including nocturia, which is commonly caused by sleep apnea.

What causes nocturia?

Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, is when you wake multiple times throughout the night to use the restroom. This significantly disrupts your rest, and can lead to daytime symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.

The human body is designed to produce less urine at night, instead concentrating what’s in your bladder so you can sleep soundly. However, if something is causing you to produce too much urine (polyuria), you might need to go more often. Certain medications, like diuretics, can cause you to urinate more, as can diabetes.

If you’re pregnant or undergoing menopause, excessive urination is not uncommon. In men, nocturia can be an indication of prostate problems, so be sure to undergo an exam to rule out any abnormalities.

If you’ve only been urinating a small amount, you might be waking for a different reason, and just going to the bathroom out of habit. This is not uncommon in people suffering from sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. 

When to see a specialist

Nocturia that doesn’t go away with medication or lifestyle changes should always be investigated further, especially if it’s disrupting your day-to-day life. Prolonged fatigue and sleep deprivation can lead to serious symptoms, including depression and lack of focus. 

If your nocturia is accompanied by snoring and a sore throat, there is a good chance that you’re experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when your tongue or soft palate begin to block your airway, rousing you from sleep. 

Many people who wake in the night will go on to use the restroom before going back to bed. If you suspect that your nocturia is caused by sleep apnea, be sure to bring it up with a sleep specialist. 

At SLENT, Dr. James Connolly can easily diagnose sleep apnea using the ARESⓇ and ApneaLink AirⓇ Home Sleep Tests. From there, he and his team can help you find a solution that works for you, whether that’s surgery, an oral mouthpiece, a CPAP machine, or an implant like InspireⓇ. 

To learn more about sleep apnea and possible solutions, schedule a consultation at SLENT by calling the location closest to you, or visit our contact page for more options.