In a nutshell
The study looked at how bladder symptoms and bladder control affect sleep and fatigue (tiredness). The research found that poor sleep and tiredness were more present in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and made symptoms worse.
Some background
Overactive bladder can cause sleep disturbance by waking during the night to use the toilet (nocturia). This can lead to fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression. There are few studies that have looked at the combination of incontinence, OAB, and sleep. It is necessary to assess how quality of sleep and tiredness affect bladder symptoms and control.
Methods & findings
51 patients with OAB took part in the study and 30 adults of similar age without OAB took part for comparison (control).
68.6% of OAB patients had greater sleep disturbance than average, compared to 23.3% of the control group. OAB patients also had worse quality of sleep, feeling refreshed and more difficulty with falling and staying asleep.
Nocturia was more common in OAB patients and affected sleep disturbance the most.
The bottom line
This study concluded that patients with OAB have more disturbed sleep and fatigue which makes bladder symptoms and control worse.
The fine print
The study had a small sample size which may affect the details of how sleep and bladder symptoms affect each other.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble with sleep and OAB.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Aug 04, 2017
