Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we've been talking about problems associated with the bladder — a subject we often don't want to talk about. Sometimes, a bladder problem may keep you up at night — literally. Nocturia is a condition in which you wake up during the night to urinate one or more times. Dr. Philippe Zimmern, a urologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says nocturia can have a big impact on your life. It can lead to daytime sleepiness, decreased work performance and an increased risk for falls and other injuries.

The problem could be as simple as drinking too much fluid too soon before bedtime. It can also be a sign of diabetes, congestive heart failure or sleep disorders. That's why you should consult a doctor if the problem isn't helped by cutting back on fluids before bedtime. Until the problem's solved, use a night light and keep floors clear so you don't run the risk of a fall when you get up during the night.

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August 2006

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