Nocturia explanation

This is from another list and perhaps the best explanation for nocturia- night time pit stops-
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from the August-September 1996 issue of WAKE-UP Call
Nocturia, or nocturnal urination, is sometimes a symptom of sleep
apnea. In fact, nocturia among younger individuals--who are less
likely to have other medical causes of nocturia--is a strong
indicator of sleep apnea. While the precise relationship has not
been thoroughly studied, it appears that the most likely reason
patients with untreated sleep apnea have more frequent urination at
night is related to the increased pressure in the right side of the
heart. This increased pressure is usually the result of low oxygen
levels in the bloodstream caused by the apnea events: when oxygen
levels fall, the heart works harder to get oxygen to the brain.

An increased pressure in the heart is a sign that there is too much
liquid in the body: when the heart receives the stimulus of the
increased pressure, higher levels of a hormone called atrial
natriuretic peptide (ANP) are secreted. ANP is a diuretic that is
associated with the increased need to urinate.

When sleep apnea is effectively treated, nighttime urination is also
reduced. Studies have shown that ANP levels in patients with
untreated sleep apnea are increased and levels reduced in patients
using CPAP effectively. Remember, not all causes of frequent
urination are related to untreated sleep apnea; prostrate problems,
for example, may cause increased need for urination. Discuss any
concerns you may have with your doctor.

Patrick J. Strollo, Jr., MD is the Medical Director of the Pulmonary
Sleep Evaluation Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh Medical
School.

I have noticed that I dont have to get up during the nite since I started using the cpap

Excellent explanation, tomjax! Thanks for posting it.

Thanks Tom,
O.

I wondered how that worked! Sure was the case for me! Since on cpap, I've gone from 2-3 wakeups to none

Thanks

Tom - helpful info. My experience is that pitstop calls still occur but rarely more than 1 per night since CPAP. Previously it would be 3-4 or more.

But I have had a few new reasons ...

1) To empty the water from my gear (twice thus far)
2) To give my wife some respite from the effects aerophagia

Cheers

DSM