Nocturia

Abstract

According to the defi nition of the International Continence Society (ICS), nocturia is a complaint that the individual wakes at night one or more times to void where each micturition is preceded and followed by sleep. The prevalence of nocturia increases with age and occurs almost equally in both men and women. The most common causes for nocturia are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), congestive heart failure, urinary tract infection, and diabetes mellitus. Other causes can be sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, use of diuretics, polydipsia, or excessive consumption of beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Nocturnal urinary incontinence or nighttime bed-wetting (enuresis) is distinct from nocturia.