Nocturnal Urination: What Is Still Normal?

What is Nocturia?

Nocturia refers to the condition where a person wakes up multiple times during the night to urinate. According to urologist Professor Dr. Daniela Schultz-Lampel, director of the Continence Center Southwest at Schwarzwald-Baar Hospital, it is normal to get up to twice a night to empty the bladder. More frequent nighttime urination, however, may indicate health issues and should be medically evaluated.

Causes of Frequent Nighttime Urination

Frequent nighttime urination can have various causes. In addition to an overactive bladder or an enlarged prostate in men, sleep disorders, certain medications, or conditions such as diabetes or heart failure can also play a role. In some cases, the urge to urinate at night is not due to a full bladder but rather poor sleep quality, which causes one to wake up and go to the toilet out of habit.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If nighttime urination occurs regularly more than twice a night or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as pain, burning, or blood in the urine, a medical evaluation is advisable. The first point of contact is the general practitioner's office. Keeping a voiding diary can be helpful in preparing for the doctor's appointment. In it, the amount of fluid intake and the frequency of toilet visits are recorded over at least two days to identify any abnormalities.

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