Nocturia (going to the toilet at night)

Nocturia means waking from sleep more than once during the night to pass urine (wee).

It’s common, especially as we get older, and can affect sleep, increase the risk of falls and make you feel tired and less focussed during the day.

Understanding and addressing nocturia can support your safety, wellbeing and quality of life.

Causes of nocturia

Health conditions:

• heart or kidney problems
• diabetes
• swollen ankles
• an overactive bladder
• constipation
• an enlarged prostate (men*).

Other factors:

• pregnancy
• waking up and going to the toilet when you don’t need to
• drinking fluids, caffeine (eg coffee, cola, energy drinks) or alcohol before bed.

* References to ‘women’ or ‘men’ include anyone with similar health needs, regardless of sex at birth or gender identity. Read our Gender inclusivity statement.

Tips for managing nocturia

• stop drinking at least 2 hours before bed
• drink less caffeine and alcohol if these make your symptoms worse
• talk to your doctor about the medicines you take
• rest with your legs up for a few hours in the afternoon.
• for safety, use night lights to help find your way to the toilet
• use a commode (special toilet seat) or urinal (container to collect urine, or wee) near the bed if getting up is hard
• drink an appropriate amount of fluids – don’t reduce daytime fluids as this can cause dehydration, urgency and constipation, making incontinence worse.

Talk to a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or GP (doctor) about treatment options.

This content has been reviewed by sub­ject mat­ter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.