If you snore frequently and often wake up in the morning feeling more drained than when you drifted off the night before, you might have sleep apnea. This disorder occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and restarts at night, which interrupts your natural sleep cycles.
This can be caused by improper signals between your brain and your autonomic breathing muscles, physically blocked airways, or a combination of both factors. However, many patients also experience nightly nocturia that can also interfere with peaceful dreaming. Continue reading to learn more about this condition, how it impacts sleep apnea, and a few ways you can get better rest!
What is Nocturia?
Although it may be inconvenient, you might not consider it to be abnormal if your child has period accidents in bed overnight. But did you know that an estimated 1/3 of adults who are 30 years or older and nearly 50% of those who are 50 or more experience nocturia?
Unlike bedwetting, which involves the involuntary release of urine while sleeping, those with nocturia wake up throughout the night to relieve their bladders. The former is often caused by genetics, issues with nerve control, or overactive bladders, while the latter is more likely to be caused by an enlarged prostate, diuretics or other medications that affect fluid levels, consuming too many liquids too close to bedtime, or other disorders, such as sleep apnea.
How Does Nocturia Affect Sleep Apnea?
Unfortunately, nocturia is closely related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most commonly diagnosed type and happens when your airways become blocked or restricted, reducing airflow into your lungs. Sources report that 50% of patients with OSA also wake up throughout the night to urinate.
This may be partly because reduced blood-oxygen levels can cause hormonal changes that increase fluid production. For example, your body may release more ANP, or atrial natriuretic peptide, which tells the kidneys to release more sodium and water. At the same time, it also affects your ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, levels, which are responsible for letting your kidneys know when to slow down urine production. This can significantly increase the likelihood of having to wake up at night to use the restroom, while your sleep apnea makes it harder to fall and stay asleep again afterward.
How Can I Get Better Rest?
Thankfully, some studies suggest that treating OSA can reduce nighttime urination because better breathing increases oxygen levels and helps regulate hormone production. If you suspect you have a nighttime disorder, your sleep dentist may be able to assess you or diagnose sleep apnea and develop a customized treatment plan to help reduce your symptoms.
If you have additional questions about your symptoms or tips for getting better quality rest, your provider can share more detailed information after they’ve had a chance to examine your condition!
About the Practice
Patients at Exceptional Dentistry benefit three experts who are passionate about improving their health by assessing and addressing sleeping and TMJ disorders. Dr. Saba, Dr. Solanki, and Dr. Allafi have more than 20 years of combined experience using state-of-the-art technology to identify and treat underlying issues that can affect your nightly rest, dental condition, or overall well-being. If you’re frustrated by frequent nocturia and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 460-3331.