Nocturia is a condition characterized by the need to wake up frequently during the night to urinate. While it’s normal to urinate once or twice during the night, having to do so more than two times can indicate an underlying medical condition.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the diseases associated with nocturia.

1. Kidney Disease

Nocturia can be a symptom of kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to filter out waste products from the blood. If left untreated, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure and require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Common symptoms of kidney disease include fatigue, nausea, and high blood pressure. If you suspect that you may have kidney disease, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical professional.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are too high, this can lead to damage of the nerves that control the bladder.

One of the symptoms of nerve damage is nocturia. Other symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing wounds. Diabetes can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups with a healthcare provider.

3. Prostate Problems

The prostate gland is a small gland that sits just below the bladder in men. As men age, the prostate gland can become enlarged, leading to difficulty urinating and nocturia.

Prostate problems are common in older men, and can be diagnosed with a physical exam, blood test, and urine test. Treatment options range from medication to surgery, and depend on the severity of the problem.

4. Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying. This can cause pain and discomfort during urination, as well as frequent urination, including nocturia.

UTIs are more common in women than men, and can be diagnosed with a urine test. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which can help clear up the infection.

5. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can cause the individual to wake up frequently during the night to urinate, and also experience other symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue.

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a sleep study, and treatment typically involves the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps to keep the airway open during sleep.

6. Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition in which the bladder contracts more frequently than normal, causing a sudden urge to urinate. This can lead to nocturia as well as other symptoms such as urinary incontinence.

OAB can be diagnosed with a physical exam, urine test, and bladder function testing. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and bladder training exercises.

7. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that can affect the lining of the bladder. Symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, pain during urination, and frequent urination, including nocturia.

Bladder cancer can be diagnosed with a urine test, cystoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

8. Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can affect the nerves that control the bladder, leading to bladder problems such as overactive bladder and nocturia.

Treatment for these conditions typically involves medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

9. Medications

Some medications can cause frequent urination and nocturia as a side effect. These medications include diuretics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.

If you suspect that your medication is causing your nocturia, talk to your healthcare provider to see if there are alternative medications that you can take.

10. Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed and irritated. This can lead to painful urination, frequent urination, and nocturia. IC can be diagnosed with a physical exam, urine test, and cystoscopy.

Treatment options vary, but may include medication, bladder instillation therapy, and bladder training exercises.