Waking up to urinate, sometimes repeatedly through the night, is a common problem in men ages 45 and older, but one study shows that regular exercise can help reduce this risk. The condition, known as nocturia, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to problems in other areas of life due to lack of sleep. It is one of the most common and most bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms in men, making it something patients are often looking to treat.
The study, led by a Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Kate Wolin, was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, which is the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Wolin and her colleagues studied a pool of men ages 55 to 74 who were eligible for a larger clinical trial. As part of the study, the men were evaluated on prostate and urinary-related conditions, including nocturia. The study also inquired about the level of physical activity for the men as well as other lifestyle factors.
The results showed that those who were active for one or more hours a week had a 13 percent lower risk of reporting nocturia and a 34 percent less risk
of reporting severe problems with nocturia compared to those who were not physically active. This could be due to many factors, including a smaller body size, better sleep, lowered levels of bodily inflammation and less sympathetic nervous system activity. The study reported that exercise should be explored as a management strategy for nocturia.
Nocturia can have a complex number of causes, and exercise is just one of several strategies to help. To learn more about this and other conditions related to the prostate gland, including BPH, visit Dr. Vorstman at https://urologyweb.com/exclusive-medical-reports/.
Dr. Vorstman also blogs at https://urologyweb.com/uro-health-blog/ Contact him directly at bvorstmanmd@gmail.com.