Nocturia

What is Nocturia?

It can be quite normal to wake once or twice during the night to pass water. If you have to do so more often than that it can become both annoying and tiring. The need to pass water during the night is called nocturia.

Although nocturia may be associated with the normal ageing process, it might well be caused by a medical problem which can be treated - so it is a good idea to report a frequent need to go to the toilet during the night to your doctor or to a continence nurse, particularly if the problem has come on quite quickly and recently.

Once you have made an appointment, your doctor or nurse will assess you. They may ask you some of the following questions:

• How often do you go to the toilet?
• How often do you leak or have an accident?
• When do you leak or have accidents?
• What medication do you take?
• What do you normally eat or drink?
• Is it painful / uncomfortable when you go to the toilet?
• How many times do you get up at night?
• Do you ever wet the bed?

It would be a good idea to keep a record of your bladder activity for a few days before your appointment with your doctor or nurse. Keep a record for at least 3 days. For examples of bladder diaries, click here - bladder diaries.