Nocturnal Polyuria

Nocturnal polyuria (NP) is a condition where the amount of urine produced in the night is excessive compared to the amount of urine excreted during the day. It is one of the common causes of nocturia (waking up to urinate at night). The condition is sometimes known as “insane polyuria” or “nocturnal diuresis”.

Causes

The exact cause of NP is unclear and may vary from person to person. Common causes include:

Drinking too much fluids before bedtime
Caffeinated beverages
Alcohol consumption
Certain medications
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Obstructed sleep apnea

Symptoms

In addition to waking up frequently to urinate, other symptoms of NP may include:

Urinating more than usual during the night
Feeling the urge to urinate frequently at night
Producing small amounts of urine during the night
Feeling tired during the day
Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis

Your doctor will often take several tests to diagnose NP. These tests can include a physical exam, a detailed medical history, a sleep study, a urine test, a blood test, and an abdominal ultrasound. Your doctor may also refer you to a urologist for further tests or a specialist in sleep medicine.

Treatment

Treatment for NP depends on the underlying cause. Some possible treatments may include:

Reducing fluid intake before bedtime
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Treating any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea
Medications such as diuretics to reduce the amount of urine produced
Treating any bladder infections
Behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes, such as limiting or avoiding certain activities before bed

Conclusion

Nocturnal polyuria is a common but treatable condition that can cause night-time urination. If you think you may have NP, be sure to check with your doctor to find if treatment is right for you.