Impact of Nocturia on Sleep and Energy

Abstract

Sleep is a vital element in a human's general health. However, sleep may lose its “healing” function, especially through ageing. Sleep in the elderly is characterised by less restorative sleep and more frequent awakenings. One of the main causes of sleep impairment in this population, besides ageing, is nocturia. The aetiology of nocturia includes several factors, among others somatic diseases, age-related endocrine alterations, bladder outlet obstruction, and detrusor overactivity (often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia) and sleep apnoea. Because most of these factors are often prevalent in the elderly, nocturia is often considered as a normal consequence of ageing. However, lack of sleep due to the frequent nocturnal awakenings may have deleterious effects on general health status. Indeed, data not only from nocturia, but also from many pain or pruritus-associated diseases, clearly demonstrate that disturbance of the normal sleep pattern results in poor quality of sleep, which, in turn, leads to poor quality of life. Frequent nocturnal awakenings may induce diminished vitality, increased susceptibility for diseases, impaired cognitive performance and alertness, depression, and even a higher mortality. Moreover, patients who have nocturia have an increased risk for accidents, falls, and fractures, especially the elderly, who often already have impaired motor and cognitive functioning. Hence, nocturia should not be seen as just another age-related problem but, considering the substantial impact it can have on the quality of sleep and quality of life, it should be recognised as a condition that needs to be taken seriously and treated appropriately.