The REAL Reason You Can’t Sleep

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted March 15, 2018

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,

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND