Most people are able to sleep through the night without waking up to urinate. This is because your body generally produces a smaller quantity of urine during this time. If, however, you are someone you wakes up several times a night to urinate, you may be suffering from nocturia.
Nocturia is the medical term for excessive urination at night. Not only does nocturia disrupt your sleep, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medication condition.
How is nocturia diagnosed?
Your doctor will normally ask you to keep a diary for two days in which you will record how much you drink, how often you use the bathroom, and your urine output. Additionally, they will inquire about any medications you take, previous urinary tract infections, and if you are experiencing any related symptoms.
In addition to these initial questions, your doctor may ask for more information based on your unique situation. Questions your doctor may ask you include:
- When did this condition start?
- How many times do you need to urinate each night?
- Is there a large or small volume of urine when you void at night?
- Has there been a change in urination output (increase or decrease)?
- How much caffeine do you drink each day, if any?
- Does frequent urination during the night keep you from getting enough sleep?
- Do you drink alcoholic beverages? If so, how much each day?
- Has your diet changed recently?
Your doctor may also order the following diagnostic tests:
- Blood sugar tests (to check for diabetes)
- Blood urea tests
- Urine cultures
- Fluid deprivation tests
- Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds
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