Nocturia

Definition

Nocturia is the need to urinate multiple times during the night, disrupting sleep. It is different from enuresis (involuntary voiding) and polyuria (excessive urine volume).

Common Causes

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Heart failure (fluid redistribution when supine)
• Diabetes mellitus/insipidus
• Overactive bladder
• Diuretic timing
• Sleep apnea
• Late-evening fluid intake

Nursing Interventions

• Limit fluids 2 to 3 hours before bed
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in evening
• Elevate legs for several hours before bedtime in CHF to promote diuresis before sleep
• Take diuretics early in the day
• Address underlying cause (BPH, CHF, diabetes)

NCLEX Relevance

CHF scenario: pillow orthopnea + nocturia. BPH: older males with urinary symptoms.