My Partner Says I Snore Too Much. Is It Sleep Apnea?

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Do you lie awake listening to your partner snore throughout the night? Loud snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that constricts or blocks the airway.

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the body’s muscles grow more relaxed. The throat normally remains open to allow oxygen to flow.

When you fall asleep, the soft tissues and tongue relax and collapse, obstructing the flow of oxygen to your lungs. The word “apnea” is Greek for “not breathing.”

OSA causes a pause in your breathing. Some people experience a few pauses in airflow per night, but others can have multiple episodes per minute.

In general, men have a higher risk of developing OSA, but women’s risk increases after menopause. People older than 65 are also more likely to have the condition, but children can have OSA as well.

You also are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea if …

  • You have large tonsils or adenoids that block your airway.
  • You have a large neck or collar size.
  • You have a small jaw, or your jaw is pulled back.
  • The shape of your mouth or palate naturally causes a collapse in your airway.
  • You have a large tongue, which can settle back during sleep and block air flow.
  • You are obese.
  • You sleep on your back.

What Are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

If you have OSA, you probably begin to snore very soon after you fall asleep. You may snore quite loudly, but there will be pauses of silence (apneas) followed by a gasp or snort as you try to resume breathing. You will repeat this pattern throughout the night.

Most of the time, your partner or family members will notice symptoms of OSA before you do. Besides your loud snoring, they may observe the following:

  • Tossing and turning throughout the night
  • Jerky body movements
  • Pauses in breathing
  • Choking or gasping

While you may not know how loud you snore or how many times you’ve woken up during the night, you will likely notice certain symptoms during the day. Some of these may include the following:

  • Feeling unrefreshed in the morning, even if you spent eight or more hours in bed
  • A morning headache when you wake up
  • Fatigue and drowsiness all day
  • A dry, sore throat from snoring
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Moodiness and grumpiness from not getting adequate rest
  • Drowsiness or falling asleep during activities like reading, watching TV and driving

What Are the Risks Associated with Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Untreated OSA can be dangerous because it makes you more likely to have a car accident. You could be putting yourself, your family and other motorists at risk.

Without medical intervention, long-term OSA can increase your risk for high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, cardiac arrest, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even a shorter lifespan.

How Do Doctors Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Doctors can treat OSA in many different ways, depending on what factors are causing OSA. Sometimes a doctor can isolate a reason for the apneas and treat that first.

Lifestyle Changes Like Weight Loss and Avoiding Alcohol

For some people who are overweight, losing weight could cause OSA to go away. Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet full of fruits and vegetables and whole grains can help remove excess weight that may contribute to OSA.

Alcohol is a relaxant, and it slows down the central nervous system. Consuming alcohol relaxes the muscles of the mouth and throat, which can cause tissue to sag and block the airway. Consuming alcohol later in the day and in greater quantities can negatively impact obstructive sleep apnea, as alcohol raises the arousal threshold, making it more difficult to awaken and resume normal breathing.

Altering Your Sleep Position

Back sleeping increases the likelihood of airway obstructions and can make OSA worse. A better option is side sleeping. Utilizing a body pillow and positioning a pillow between your knees can enhance nighttime comfort while maintaining proper alignment of your spine and neck.

Some people with sleep apnea also find that putting a tennis ball in a sock and sewing the sock to the back of your pajama shirt works well to prevent them from back sleeping. The tennis ball creates just enough discomfort to make them roll back to their side without arousing them from sleep.

Surgically Removing the Obstruction

For people who have large tonsils or adenoids, they may benefit from surgery like a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Other surgical procedures can remove excess tissue from the throat or reposition the tongue.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device that blows air through a mask and into the nose to keep the airway open. A doctor can adjust the air pressure to an optimal setting for comfort and reduced apneas.

Initially, using a CPAP device might seem difficult and irritating, but it serves as an efficient, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that can improve your condition right away.

Within days or weeks of using CPAP, people usually report feeling more rested, rejuvenated and alert. Studies show nightly use of CPAP can rapidly lower blood pressure and improve arterial tone, and normal breathing patterns from CPAP can decrease risk for cardiac arrest and diabetes.

Partners of CPAP users also get better sleep because the continuous air flow prevents snoring.

The Dangerous Combination of Sleep Apnea and Insomnia

Poor sleeping is a nationwide problem, and OSA is just one contributor. One in three Americans don’t get the recommended amount of sleep for good health, and 50 to 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or get quality sleep at night. Insomnia and OSA each affect 10 percent of the population, but one-third of patients with OSA admit they also have chronic insomnia.

Comorbid chronic insomnia and OSA (COMISA) refers to the combination of obstructive sleep apnea and chronic insomnia. People with COMISA experience the following:

  • Impaired daytime functioning
  • Higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure
  • Psychiatric issues
  • Increased risk of mortality
  • Lower quality of life

Trouble with Snoring or Sleeplessness May Require Treatment, Surgery

If you suffer from chronic insomnia or waking during the night, you may have a treatable medical condition. Ask your partner or family members if you begin snoring soon after you fall asleep, and ask them to share any patterns they observe.

Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors can help diagnose conditions that contribute to sleep apnea or insomnia as well as provide treatment options. Sometimes, sinus congestion can cause obstructions in the airway and put you at risk for long-term health problems.

An ENT can also look at the anatomy of your soft palate, throat, tonsils and adenoids and assess what type of treatment you may need. You may benefit from a sleep study that evaluates your breathing patterns and episodes of wakefulness.

Multiple complications may lead you to seek treatment and possibly surgery. For decades, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the nation.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.

Call today so you — and everyone else in your home — can rest more peacefully at night and wake up feeling refreshed.

Boston Endoscopy Center Celebrates “Top Doctors”

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Boston Endoscopy Center is proud to announce 10 of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

  • Catherine P. Cheney, MD
  • Daria Homenko, MD
  • Dennis E. Lee, MD
  • Douglas K. Pleskow, MD
  • Harry T. Anastopoulos, MD
  • Joseph D. Feuerstein, MD
  • Laurence S. Bailen, MD
  • Lynne B. Ahn, MD
  • Steven N. Fine, MD
  • Sunil G. Sheth, MD

About Our Center

Boston Endoscopy Center, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, has proudly served the greater Boston area for more than 20 years. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters wellness and comfort, our team is committed to providing excellent gastrointestinal care. Our patient experience scores exceed the national average.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, our gastroenterologists can treat digestive conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment and take control of your digestive health.

Eastern Massachusetts Surgery Center Celebrates “Top Doctors”

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Eastern Massachusetts Surgery Center is proud to announce that eight of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

  • Christopher S. Huang, MD
  • Daniel N. Driscoll, MD
  • John T. Frasca, MD
  • Michael J. Curran, MD
  • Ramsey Alsarraf, MD
  • Raghuveer C. Muppavarapu, MD
  • Robert L. Patz, MD
  • Stephen J. Ferzoco, MD

About Our Center

Eastern Massachusetts Surgery Center, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, is proud to serve the surgical needs of the greater Boston area. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters wellness and comfort, our team is committed to providing excellent same-day surgical care. Our patient experience scores exceed the national average.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

Eastern Massachusetts Surgery Center is specially designed to perform same-day procedures — those which require more care than can be offered in your doctor’s office but which do not require an overnight hospital stay. Our skilled team provides the same high level of care you can expect in larger facilities with less time away from family and work. In many cases, you can be back to your routine the next day. We perform only same-day surgeries, allowing our center to provide services at reasonable costs and savings to you, your insurance provider and your employer.

Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment and take care of your health needs.

Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center Celebrates “Top Doctors”

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Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center is proud to announce seven of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

  • Ann Marie Joyce, MD
  • Benjamin J. Hyatt, MD
  • Gail M. Herzig, MD
  • Lauren M. Bleich, MD
  • Mark P. Epstein, MD
  • Michael L. Desimone, MD
  • Peter E. Krims, MD

About Our Center

Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, proudly serves Middlesex and Worcester counties and South New Hampshire. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters wellness and comfort, our team is committed to providing excellent gastrointestinal care.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, our gastroenterologists can treat digestive conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment and take control of your digestive health.

Northeast Endoscopy Center Celebrates “Top Doctors”

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Northeast Endoscopy Center is proud to announce 10 of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

  • Allen L. Hwang, MD
  • Geetanjali A. Akerkar, MD
  • Heidi Ahmed, MD
  • Jacqueline N. Chu, MD
  • James H. Reichheld, MD
  • James L. Connolly, MD
  • Michael J. Huang, MD
  • Nitin Aggarwal, MD
  • Richard Tilson, MD
  • Supriya Rao, MD

About Our Center

Northeast Endoscopy Center, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, proudly serves the greater Boston area. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters privacy, safety and convenience, our team is committed to providing excellent gastrointestinal care. Our patient experience scores exceed the national average.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, our gastroenterologists can treat digestive conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment and take control of your digestive health.

Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites Celebrates “Top Doctors”

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Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites is proud to announce 15 of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

  • Alan S. Curtis, MD
  • Andrew Jawa, MD
  • Anthony J. Schena, MD
  • Brian Kwon, MD
  • Glen Ross, MD
  • Hervey L. Kimball, MD
  • Jennifer B. Green, MD
  • Jinsil K. Sung, MD
  • Kai Mithoefer, MD
  • Kurt J. Hoffman, MD
  • Mark Paul Slovenkai, MD
  • Michael Reinhorn, MD
  • Paul P. Weitzel, MD
  • Suzanne L. Miller, MD
  • Thomas H. Wuerz, MD

About Our Center

Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, is proud to serve the orthopedic needs of the greater Boston area. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters wellness and comfort, our team is committed to providing excellent same-day surgical care. Our patient experience scores exceed the national average.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

If you are experiencing consistent joint pain, talk to your doctor about your options. Total joint replacement is a safe, effective treatment for chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis.

Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment. Sometimes, a simple procedure can relieve pain, increase your independence and enhance your quality of life so you can resume your daily activities.

Enlarged Prostate? Top Questions Address Symptoms, Treatment Options

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About 50 percent of men in their 50s have enlarged prostates. This condition affects 80 percent of men by age 80. An enlarged prostate does not always cause symptoms, but it can cause inconvenient issues, like frequent nighttime urination, so consider treatment or medication.

Does an Enlarged Prostate Increase Cancer Risk?

Many people assume an enlarged prostate will develop into cancer, but this is not true. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and hormones are likely the cause. BPH does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in the future either.

Not all men develop an enlarged prostate, but men are at risk of developing BPH if they …

  • Have a family history of BPH.
  • Are older than 40.
  • Have a medical condition of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity or circulatory disease.
  • Are sedentary.
  • Have erectile dysfunction.
  • Have kidney disease.

What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

One of the first symptoms of BPH is problems emptying the bladder. As the prostate grows larger, it presses on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This pressure makes the bladder muscles exert more force to move the flow of urine through the urethra. This can cause difficulty starting a urine steam, an interrupted urine stream or dribbling at the end of urination.

As the bladder muscles weaken, it is more difficult to empty the bladder. Urinary retention as well as the prostate pressing on the bladder causes urinary frequency and urinary urgency. BPH can also cause nocturia, or frequent urination at night.

How Can You Tell If It’s BPH or Another Health Problem?

A urologist can diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia by performing a physical exam, doing medical tests and collecting a family medical history. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, you should keep a medical journal to note the types of symptoms, how often they occur, what medications you take and your typical diet. Be sure to include the types of beverages you drink, especially caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

Your doctor may use urinalysis, prostate tests, transrectal ultrasound or cystoscopy to diagnose a condition.

Other medical conditions can cause urination problems as well. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also cause increased frequency and urgency in urination as well as leakage. A UTI often causes pain and burning, and sometimes the urine can appear cloudy or smell bad.

Other conditions that have similar symptoms to an enlarged prostate are overactive bladder, kidney stones, bladder stones, pelvic floor problems, urethral stricture, pelvic floor muscle spasms and neurogenic bladder.

Make an Appointment with Your Urologist about Treatment Options for BPH

You don’t have to live with urinary discomfort. One appointment could provide relief of your symptoms. You could begin sleeping more soundly at night and reducing your visits to the bathroom.

Multiple conditions may lead you to seek treatment and, possibly, surgery. For 40 years, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the country.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience, with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.

Call today to make an appointment for a consultation. Early treatment will reduce the effects of an enlarged prostate, allowing you an improved quality of life.

4 Key Facts to Know About Urinary Tract Infections

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A urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as a bladder infection or cystitis, is a common condition that can cause anything from mild inconvenience to a serious health emergency.

There are two types of UTIs: uncomplicated and complicated. Uncomplicated UTIs develop in healthy people with normal urinary tracts.

Complicated UTIs can affect the kidneys and ureters, posing a serious health risk.

This kind of bladder infection may affect men, expectant mothers, those with compromised immune systems and individuals who recently underwent surgery.

Below are four key facts you need to know about urinary tract infections.

Bacteria Causes UTIs

A urinary tract infection can involve any part of the urinary system: bladder, urethra, ureters or kidney.

You can have a urinary tract infection without showing any noticeable signs. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your kidneys and cause significant issues.

Women Are at Higher Risk Than Men for a UTI

Women develop urinary tract infections up to 30 times more than men and are more likely to have several UTIs. In fact, up to 40 percent of women will develop a second UTI within six months of the first infection. When someone develops two or more UTIs within six months or three UTIs within a year, that person can be said to have chronic UTIs.

An anatomical reason may make females more susceptible to UTIs. A woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s urethra, making it easier for bacteria to infect the bladder. Certain factors put some women at higher risk to develop infections of the bladder:

  • Wiping from back to front when using the restroom increases the likelihood of bacterial transfer.
  • Diabetes can weaken your immunity and cause nerve damage, which can make it difficult to empty the bladder.
  • Sexual contact can transfer germs and bacteria. Using diaphragms and condoms with spermicidal foam can also increase risk of UTIs.
  • Pregnancy can make it difficult to empty the bladder, and pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract.
  • Loss of estrogen due to menopause can thin the vaginal tissue and make it more susceptible to bacterial growth.
  • Kidney stones can obstruct urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder.
  • Using a catheter, a thin tube in the urethra, can increase the chances of bacteria entering the bladder.

Six out of 10 women will develop cystitis within their lifetime, and one in four experiences chronic UTIs.

UTIs Have Some Common Symptoms

Not all people experience the same symptoms, but some common symptoms of cystitis can include the following:

  • Sensation of burning or pain during urination
  • Increased frequency and urgency to urinate but with low urine output
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pressure in the pelvis
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Urine that appears cloudy
  • Feeling fatigued, confused, weak or feverish

Cystoscopy Can Diagnose UTIs

If you have chronic UTIs, your urologist may suggest a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a fiberoptic camera to visualize the inside of the bladder and urethra. Besides diagnosing UTIs, a cystoscopy can diagnose bladder stones, bladder control, urinary retention and hematuria (blood in the urine).

During the cystoscopy, your doctor will insert a thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope into your urethra. The cystoscope has a small lens that will magnify the lining of the urethra and bladder. Your doctor will fill the bladder with sterile water or saline so the bladder will stretch and improve visibility.

Call Your Urologist to Make an Appointment

If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI or changes in your urination habits, you should call your urologist. A consultation will help you determine the next steps for your health.

Multiple conditions may lead you to seek treatment and possibly surgery. For 40 years, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the country.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.

Urinary issues can develop and change quickly, so don’t ignore your body’s signals. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Middlesex Endoscopy Center Implement AI-Powered Solution for Colon Cancer Screening

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Middlesex Endoscopy Center, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

What Is Nocturia, and What Can I Do About It?

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Imagine you are having the most wonderful dream. Just as you get to the best part, you suddenly awaken and have an urgency to pee.

We’ve all been there before. Waking during bedtime hours to urinate is called nocturia, and it’s more common than you might think. One-third of adults older than 30 make at least two trips to the restroom per night, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Nocturia can have many causes, including insomnia, medication, drinking liquids before bed, pregnancy, an overactive bladder, urinary tract infection or GI issues.

Frequent Urination Negatively Impacts Quality of Life

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but frequent disruptions impact the quantity and quality of rest. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one-third of Americans do not get the suggested seven hours of sleep per night.

Decreased sleep from nocturia can cause many negative side effects, such as difficulty concentrating, poor work performance and moodiness. Nocturia can also increase the risk of falling, especially in older adults.

What Can You Do to Reduce Incidence of Nocturia?

By creating healthy habits and making some lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your frequency of nighttime urination. You may want to try two modifications: changing your sleeping habits and your medication.

Develop Healthy Sleep Habits

When we sleep, the body releases an antidiuretic hormone, which slows urine production in the kidneys. Lying awake during the night can reduce the production of this antidiuretic hormone, so the kidneys produce normal volumes of urine.

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you should do some probing as to why you’re experiencing sleep disruptions. You may be able to make some modifications to help improve your sleep quality.

You may not be able to sleep for countless reasons. Stress and anxiety can cause insomnia, as well as late-night TV watching and phone use.

Doing meditation or following a bedtime routine can help you relax if you feel stressed. Too much screen time can disrupt your circadian rhythm and keep you awake at night. Setting up a technology-free bedroom will help you relax at night and get the rest you need.

Everyone, regardless of age, should limit screen time before bed. Don’t sleep next to your phone, and set your phone on airplane mode when you sleep. Do not watch TV in bed or fall asleep with the TV on.

Discuss Medications with Your Doctor

Consult your medical provider to discuss the effects of any medications you may be taking. It is important not to make changes to your schedule without talking to your doctor.

It’s also important to limit caffeine and alcohol, especially at night, because they act as diuretics and promote dehydration. Therefore, you should consider reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol from your diet. Sugar also can be dehydrating, so drinking sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas and sweetened coffee drinks can also cause nocturia.

Medical Conditions Could Be Affecting Nocturia

If your sleep does not improve with better habits, you may need to visit your doctor. Some medical conditions can cause nighttime urination.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a name for a variety of urinary symptoms. It is characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled urge or need to urinate. Frequent urination is defined as going to the bathroom more than eight times in a 24-hour period. About 30 percent of men and 40 percent of women have OAB.

If you are retaining fluid, this may be a sign of another health condition. When the heart is not able to pump blood effectively, this condition is called congestive heart failure. This condition causes fluid to build up in your body. Talk to your primary care physician if you experience frequent urination, increased thirst, swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen, weight gain or shortness of breath.

Other conditions that can affect nocturia may include diabetes, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, pregnancy and childbirth, pelvic organ prolapse, menopause, enlarged prostate, edema or hypertension.

Diagnosing and Treating Conditions That Cause Nocturia

Once you are referred, a urologist can diagnose and provide treatment for urinary tract infections, overactive bladder and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a fiberoptic camera to view the inside of the urethra and bladder. After infusing water or saline into the bladder, the doctor can examine the urinary tract and detect problems with urine flow and emptying the bladder.

Cystoscopy takes only 5 to 15 minutes, but it can be helpful in diagnosing bladder control, urine retention, bladder stones, blood in the urine and painful urination.

Call Your Urologist to Make an Appointment about Nocturia

If you are suffering from nocturia, you have options. You don’t have to endure daytime tiredness and low energy. Call your urologist and make an appointment to discuss your medical history and your symptoms. Your doctor may need to get a urine culture to find out important information about why you get up during the night to urinate.

Because a myriad of health conditions can cause nocturia, it is important to keep a health journal and write down your symptoms. To prepare for your visit, take notes on how often you urinate and whether any modification makes your symptoms better or worse.

Multiple conditions may lead you to seek treatment and possibly surgery. For 40 years, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the country. Check with your physician to determine if you have a health condition that would require a full-service hospital for treatment.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.