092- Interview: Addressing Nighttime Urination & Insomnia in Aging

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with geriatrician Shachi Tyagi, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburg. Her research focuses on two common issues in older adults, insomnia and having to urinate at night (nocturia). They discuss:

• Why nocturia becomes common as we age
• Common health problems that may be related to nocturia
• The relationship between nocturia and sleep problems
• How nocturia should be assessed and how it can be managed
• “Brief behavioral treatment” and other recommended insomnia treatments that can also improve nocturia
• Why sleep medications should be avoided in aging
• How to reduce the risk of nighttime falls related to nocturia
• Options for addressing nocturia and sleep issues in dementia
• Tips on tracking bladder and sleep symptoms, and how to get help from your health providers

Related episodes: 

032 – 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging

088 – Interview: Avoiding Inappropriate Prescribing in Aging & What to Know About the Beers Criteria

Related Resources:

• Studies published by Dr. Tyagi
  • Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Older Adults: Does Nocturia Matter?
  • Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia: Also Effective for Nocturia
  • Nocturnal Polyuria in Older Women with Urge Urinary Incontinence: Role of Sleep Quality, Time in Bed, and Medications Used
• American Urological Association: Urology Care Foundation
  • Educational Materials
  • Bladder Diary
  • Nocturia Treatment & Diagnosis
• National Sleep Foundation
  • Nocturia & Frequent Urination at Night
• BHWA
  • How Sleep Affects Health & Changes with Aging
  • 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging, & Proven Ways to Treat Insomnia