can't sleep

The REAL Reason You Can’t Sleep

James, my patient, looked tired and had bags under his eyes.

He was waking up a lot to go to the bathroom, and hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in ages.

Sounds familiar, right?

He was waiting for me to tell him he had a prostate problem…. maybe even cancer.

While it’s true that your prostate can keep you up at night, very often the problem is something else.

And there’s a good chance you’ve never been properly diagnosed. 

Nocturia, or nocturnal polyuria, is the medical term for waking at night to use the bathroom.

In men, the prostate gland is a common reason for nocturia–but it is far from the only reason.

Here are the most common reasons both men and women wake at night having to go to the bathroom:

  • Sleep Apnea: About 50% of people with sleep apnea also have frequent nighttime urination. Scientists say it happens when the heart is stressed, and it puts out a hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide which increases urine production. You know you have sleep apnea when you snore loudly, and you wake up gasping for air: see your doctor if you notice this happening.
  • Edema (often due to congestive heart failure): Most people know they have congestive heart failure. As fluid pools in the legs during the day, it returns to the body when we lay down. This means the kidneys need to get rid of the excess water and you feel the need to urinate.
  • Diabetes: 29 million Americans have diabetes, but 1 in 4 people don’t know they have it. When there is more sugar in blood stream than the body needs, it is dumped in the urine (along with more water) causing people with diabetes to urinate often (both day and night).
  • Drugs, Alcohol, and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine are well-known for increasing urination–avoid them at night if you can. Many drugs increase urination–if this is a problem, talk with your doctor about switching prescriptions.
  • UTI/Prostate Infections: Both urinary tract infections and prostate infections can increase urination (both day and night). Sometimes infections are hidden (no pain or symptoms). If you suspect infections, then see your doctor for diagnosis.
  • Obesity: For unknown reasons, obesity leads to increased urination (especially at night). If you are carrying around a few extra pounds, find a program to help you lose weight.

Yes, nocturia may be caused by prostate problems, but there can be many other reasons. Make sure your doctor gives you a full work-up. 

Health and Happiness,

Scott Olson

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

How to Get Your Spouse to Go to the Doctor

The other day, a friend asked me if I thought her husband was trying to hide something because he wouldn’t go to the doctor. It’s a common scenario, I told her—research shows that many men avoid preventative care and doctor’s visits. (Some women are guilty of it, too.) But what if your spouse is clearly...

Read This

Glucose Guardians Discovered at the GROCERY Store!

A new meta-analysis suggests that the spices in your kitchen aren’t just bursting with flavor. They could also deliver hidden health benefits. That’s especially true if you’re concerned about keeping your blood sugar in check. Which, honestly, everyone should be—regardless of whether you’re diabetic or not. The recent study confirmed that several popular spices (some...

Read This

Mailbag: The TRUE Cause of Your Tingly Scalp

“Why do I feel a tingling sensation in my scalp when I’m stressed?” – Anonymous Hi Anonymous, About twenty years ago, I was running on a trail in the early morning light when a fox bolted from the cover. It ran beside me for a few yards before ditching into the woods. I’m guessing the...

Read This

The Hidden (and DEADLY) Cost of Convenience

In our fast-paced, modern world, we’re always on the go, juggling work, family, and social obligations. The frantic pace leaves little time for home-cooked meals. As a result, convenience has become king. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) swoop in to save the day. They beckon us with their bright packaging and promise of ready-to-eat, instant gratification. And...

Read This

Exercise Leaving You in Pain? Try THIS Natural Fix

One of the biggest barriers to building a regular exercise routine is that many folks feel fantastic right after a session, but then they pay for it the following day. Those post-exercise aches and pains alone are enough to prevent most people from even thinking about working out again. But what if I told you...

Read This

Caffeine’s Benefits Go BEYOND the Buzz

Over 60 percent of American adults drink coffee daily—enjoying the caffeine-induced energy boost to jumpstart their day. However, caffeine’s benefits don’t end with that temporary jolt of alertness. It has other potential payoffs, including reducing diabetes risk and body fat. Now, new research reveals those benefits can vary from person to person… and the surprising...

Read This

Live LONGER and HEALTHIER with the “Grocery Cart Challenge”

Nobody on the planet who grabs something from a vending machine, thinking, “This is a healthy choice.” So, if we KNOW it isn’t good for us, why do we do it? Well, often it’s for convenience. We’re hungry and in a hurry, so grab-and-go foods fit the bill. But that’s not the only reason we...

Read This

BEWARE of the “Coffee Trap” [UNDOES Benefits]

Longtime Living Well Daily readers know I love my coffee. Powerful antioxidants and other healthy compounds in coffee deliver various health benefits. In fact, studies confirm a regular coffee habit may reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and liver disease. It also provides a temporary boost in energy and focus that many people rely on...

Read This

Frailty Leads to a Shorter Painful Life? [Surprising FIX]

Aging sure isn’t for sissies. You have to be tough as nails to manage it gracefully. Everything gets a bit more challenging. Whether it’s diet, exercise, or reducing specific risk factors, you often have to work harder to get the same results. Eventually, all the so-called “diseases of aging” start nipping at your heels, from...

Read This

Mailbag: Taste Buds in Turmoil? The Cause of Metallic Mouth

“Should I be concerned about a metallic taste in my mouth? It happens on occasion but isn’t every day.” – Mark Hi Mark, Many people experience a metallic taste that will not go away, and it can be caused by several different things. The most common cause of “metallic mouth” is poor oral health. Gum...

Read This