Nocturia (Night-time urination)
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Nocturia (Night-time urination)

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - What it is

​Nocturia refers to the need to wake up to pass urine at night, followed by a return to sleep. This becomes more common as we grow older. It is acceptable to do this once a night, but waking up twice or more a night could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Symptoms

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - How to prevent?

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Causes and Risk Factors

There are many possible causes of nocturia, and often a combination of more than one of these factors result in Nocturia.

Some of the causes of nocturia include:
  • Ageing
  • Pregnancy
  • Lifestyle habits
    • Excessive fluids intake
    • High salt intake
    • Drinking just before bedtime
    • Consuming alcohol and/or caffeine – especially evening time
  • Underlying medical conditions
    • Uncontrolled diabetes
    • Heart failure
    • Kidney and Liver problems
  • Sleep disorders
    • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
    • Insomnia
  • Medications
    • Diuretic agents
    • Mood stabilisers
    • Some blood pressure and diabetes medications
  • Urinary tract conditions
    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
    • Overactive bladder
    • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Diagnosis

When should I see a Urologist?

If you are waking up 2 or more times at night, consult your family physician to exclude underlying medical problems and for adjustments of your existing medications. You may be referred to a Urologist to evaluate for urinary tract problems.

Symptoms that may suggest a urinary tract problem include:
  • Difficulty passing urine 
  • Slow and/or Interrupted urine flow
  • Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
  • Frequent urination
  • Urgency – difficulty delaying urination due to a strong urgent sensation 
If you have symptoms suggestive of an underlying urinary tract problem, you can book an appointment to see one of our specialists.

What can I expect when I see a Urologist?

You doctor will speak to you to find out more about the type of symptoms you are experiencing, and perform a clinical examination. Some of the routine tests you may be asked to do include:
  • Urine tests to exclude UTI
  • Uroflowmetry
  • Bladder diary – a 3-day record of your fluids intake and output
You may be referred to different specialists for further evaluation if your doctor suspects that you have underlying medical problems. 

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Treatments

The causes of Nocturia are diverse, and the management plans are tailored to the individuals. The core strategies include:
  • Managing lifestyle habits
    • Reduce dietary salt intake
    • Avoid fluids consumption before sleep – at least 2 hours before bedtime
    • Avoid alcohol/caffeine in the evening
    • Taking you evening dose diuretic medication at earlier timing 
  • Treating underlying medical conditions 
  • Adjusting medication schedule
  • Treating urinary tract problems
  • Desmopressin – if you are prescribed this medication, you will require regular blood tests to monitor sodium levels
You can embark on the lifestyle modifications strategies as above to improve your Nocturia. Your doctor will have a more detailed discussion with you on the appropriate management plans during your consultation.

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Preparing for surgery

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Post-surgery care

Nocturia (Night-time urination) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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