Why an Enlarged Prostate Causes Sleep Problems

Having an enlarged prostate can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because the expanded gland puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. One common symptom is nocturia, or the need to wake up to urinate several times in the night. But just how common is this issue? According to recent surveys, more than 80% of men 50 and older wake up to pee at night once a month or more. It's likely that these wakings are related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), since that is the age at which many men experience non-cancerous gland enlargement. So, how can you address these enlarged prostate sleep problems, and stop BPH from keeping you up all night? Keep reading to find out.

Understanding Enlarged Prostate Sleep Problems

BPH can lead to poor sleep quality, this study reveals. And that's because several BPH symptoms directly impact your ability to stay in bed, especially:

• Nocturia, the need to urinate several times during the night
• Urgency, or having to urinate suddenly, without warning

Of course, it's disruptive to your sleep when you're waking up all night to pee. But even when you are asleep, those interruptions can reduce the quality of the rest you are able to get. Plus, the impact of your enlarged prostate sleep problems can spread, as 64% of individuals who have a partner with BPH report their own sleep disruptions.

Aside from leaving you tired, sleep loss can have additional negative impacts. It's been linked to reduced function; memory loss; stress; depression; and diabetes. But you don't have to live with sleep disruptions forever. Instead, you can treat BPH to reduce your symptom burden and finally get the rest you've been missing.

Treating BPH

In order to address enlarged prostate sleep problems, you can start making lifestyle adjustments. Stop drinking completely at least two hours before going to bed. And limit your intake or alcohol and caffiebe all day, since these substances increase your need to urinate.

Medications including Cialis for BPH can relieve some of your symptoms. However, if you want to shrink your prostate while avoiding surgery, PAE treatment (or prostatic artery embolization) could be your best option. Unlike prostate surgery, this minimally invasive procedure can relieve prostate enlargement without the risk of sexual side effects. You can learn more about this treatment option by requesting a consultation at the Georgia Prostate Institute.