Nocturia, or nocturnal polyuria, is the medical term for excessive urination at night. During sleep time, your body produces less urine that is more concentrated. This means that most people don’t need to wake up during the night to urinate and can sleep uninterrupted for 6 to 8 hours.
If you need to wake up two times or more per night to urinate, you may have nocturia. Besides being disruptive to your sleep, nocturia can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Causes
Urination is a complex process, involving various body systems. A range of changes can make the urinary system more active.
Lifestyle-based causes include drinking a lot of fluids, especially if they contain caffeine or alcohol. At night, this can interrupt the sleep cycle with urges to urinate. Frequent urination can also develop as a habit.
However, it can be a sign of kidney or ureter problems, urinary bladder problems, or another medical condition, such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, pregnancy, or prostate gland problems.
Other causes or related factors include:
- anxiety
- medication, for example, diuretics that make you urinate fluid from your body
- stroke and other brain or nervous system conditions
- urinary tract infection
- tumor or mass in the pelvic area
- interstitial cystitis, a type of inflammation of the bladder wall
- overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, which causes involuntary bladder contractions that lead one to feel a sudden urge to have to urinate
- bladder cancer
- bladder or kidney stones
- urinary incontinence
- urethral stricture
- radiation of the pelvis, such as during cancer treatment
- colon diverticulitis, where small, bulging outpouching sacs develop in the wall of the large intestine
- a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia
Treatment
If your nocturia is caused by a medication, taking the medication earlier in the day may help
Treatment for nocturia can sometimes include medication, such as:
- anticholinergic drugs, which help lessen the symptoms of an overactive bladder
- desmopressin, which causes your kidneys to produce less urine at night
Nocturia can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as diabetes or a UTI that could worsen or spread if left untreated. Nocturia due to an underlying condition will usually stop when the condition is successfully treated.
Remedies
Below are some natural home remedies you can try to address the issue of frequent urination and prevent potential complications.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that pumpkin seed oil improves abnormal urinary function and reduces symptoms of OAB.
Another Japanese study found that pumpkin seeds and soybean seed extract also significantly reduced incontinence. Participants took five tablets of this processed food two times a day for the first two weeks and then three tablets a day for the next five.
Kohki tea
Kohki tea is the extract of a subtropical plant in southern China. This sweet tea is sold over the counter in Japan and is high in antioxidants. It’s also shown to have protective effects on the bladder.
One study found that kohki tea had a significant protective effect on bladder function and contractile responses in rabbits with partial bladder obstruction.
Eating to reduce constipation
Sometimes constipation can place extra pressure on your bladder. You can prevent constipation by exercising regularly and including more fiber in your diet. Foods high in fiber include beans, whole-wheat breads, fruits, and vegetables.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends eating 2 tablespoons of a mixture of 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup unprocessed wheat bran, and 3/4 cup of prune juice every morning to promote bowel regularity.
White vinegar
Take two tablespoons and mix with a half cup of warm water, then drink to help reduce frequent urination
Baking soda
Mix a teaspoon with a glass of water and drink once a day, every few days
Cranberry
Containing bacteria-inhibiting properties, cranberry juice is good for reducing frequent urination. Drink about four ounces of pure cranberry juice to aid in preventing urinary tract infections and subsequent frequent urination
Indian gooseberry juice
A great source of vitamin C, helping boost the immune system and treat potential problems of urinary tract infections. It contains useful inflammatory reducing properties.
Aloe Vera juice
Aids in the reduction of inflammation and burning sensations during urination. It also helps improve kidney function.
