Overactive bladder can cause frequent urination, especially at night. Nocturia, or nighttime urination, has several potential causes including drinking too much before bed, diabetes, heart failure, infections, or medications. Simple lifestyle changes like limiting fluids before sleep, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and timing diuretic medications can help prevent nocturia. If lifestyle changes are not effective, medications that reduce bladder spasms may be prescribed.

1. Overactive Bladder Treatment
and Prevention
NOCTURIA:
Overactive bladder (OAB) is not uncommon,
especially as we age. OAB symptoms include
having a constant urge to go, occasional
leakage (especially when active, sneezing, or
laughing), and frequent trips to the bathroom.

2. Causes of Nocturia:
Nocturia can be caused by OAB, but it may
also be the result of other conditions. The
cause may be as simple as drinking too many
fluids before bedtime. Nocturia may also be
caused by more serious conditions like
diabetes, edema in the legs, congestive heart
failure, a bladder obstruction, or a bladder
infection. Taking medications that lead to
greater urine production, especially diuretics,
can also be a cause.

3. Preventing Nighttime Urination:
• One of the easiest ways to prevent an overactive
bladder at night is to restrict fluid intake before
going to bed. Stop drinking beverages a few hours
before bedtime, but make sure you get enough
fluids throughout the day.
• Other simple lifestyle changes that can help
reduce and prevent nocturia include avoiding
beverages with caffeine and alcohol, maintaining
a healthy weight, and timing when you take any
diuretic medications so that they do not impact
your nighttime urine production.

4. Prevent Fluid Build-Up:
If your frequent nighttime urination is caused
by edema, or swelling in your legs, there are
some preventive measures you can take. Try
elevating your legs throughout the day. Taking
a nap can help with nocturia too, so have an
afternoon nap with your legs up. Wearing
compression stockings can also help to
prevent the fluid buildup.

5. Treatment with Medications:
If preventive measures and lifestyle changes
fail to reduce your nighttime urination
frequency, your doctor may want you to try
medications. A class of drugs called
anticholinergics is used for treatment of OAB.
Anticholinergics reduce the bladder spasms
that create the urge to go. These drugs can
help with overnight OAB as well.

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