What are the causes of nocturia?

Every night for the past few years I've had to wake up three or four times a night to go to the restroom. I have tried not drinking many hours before going to bed, but this is not seem to prevent it. What could be the cause of my nocturia and how can I prevent it?

Doctors Answers (2)

Robert C. Jones, M.D.
Answered on: 12/12/2013

There are many possible causes of nocturia. It may be as simple as Sleep Apnea or as complex as Diabetes Insipidus. Evaluation by a Urologist may be useful. A Sleep Medicine consult and an all night Polysomnogram will most likely be needed to pin point the cause or at least rule out a sleep disorder as the reason.

Joseph Lee, DDS, FICOI
Answered on: 12/11/2013

Sleep disturbances can affect the production of some hormones that concentrate urine so you can sleep throughout the night. A sleep study would be a good place to start if you are always tired and or know you have a sleep disordered breathing.