What Are the Causes of Nocturia?

Most people can sleep sleep for 6 to 8 hours through the night without having to pass urine. However, this is not the case for those suffering from nocturia. Nocturia is a condition in which people are repeatedly awakened during the night because of the need to urinate. As such nocturia often causes sleep deprivation, especially in older adults. There are several causes of nocturia.

Production of Urine

In young people, the production of urine during the day is approximately three times more than the nighttime production. When people age, the body produces less of the anti-diuretic hormone, making the kidneys' urine production much slower.

Shrinking Bladder

The bladder also shrinks significantly in size as we age, making it that much more necessary to be able to empty it out more frequently.

Prostate Gland

In men, an enlarged prostate is a common cause of nocturia. The prostate gland is a major component of the male reproductive system, and is located just underneath the bladder.

Medications

Various medications can cause nocturia to occur as well. Diuretics are medications that assist the body in the elimination of excessive fluids, and are often a direct cause of nocturia. Some people combat this by changing the time of day in which they take their diuretics. Medicines for afflictions like bipolar disorder or for some cardiac-related ailments also can lead to nocturia.

Too Much Liquid

One cause of nocturia is simply drinking too much before bedtime--especially drinks that act as diuretics. Drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol a few hours before bed can particularly contribute to nocturia. Abstaining from intake of liquid for a couple of hours before bedtime can combat the problem significantly.

Bladder or Kidney Condition

Nocturia can also be a very telling warning sign that a person is suffering from either a bladder or kidney condition, including overactive bladder, kidney stones and bladder or urinary tract infection.