A to Z of MS Nocturia

Nocturia is the need to get up during the night in order to urinate, thus interrupting sleep.

There are a number of possible causes of nocturia, so it is important that any instances are properly investigated before treatment starts. For some, the interruption to sleep can be a cause of or contribute to fatigue during the day.

If MS is found to be the cause, the NICE guideline recommends that desmopressin be prescribed.

Desmopressin regulates the way that the kidneys handle water in the body. For nocturia it may be prescribed to reduce the amount of urine being produced, and therefore the number of night-time trips to the toilet. However, desmopressin must be used with caution as reducing the amount of urine made by the kidneys over the long-term may eventually lead to kidney problems. Desmopressin is not licensed for anyone aged over 65.

Reference

Stanton BR, et al
Sleep and fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis 2006;12(4):481-486.
abstract

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