What is the term for frequent urination during the night?

Nocturia is the term that specifically refers to the condition of waking up at night to urinate. It can occur due to several reasons, including fluid intake before bedtime, certain medical conditions, or age-related changes in bladder function. Understanding this term is important as it can impact sleep quality and may signify underlying health concerns, particularly in older adults.

The other terms relate to urinary issues but describe different conditions. Incontinence refers to the inability to control urination, leading to unintentional loss of urine. Polyuria indicates excessive urination in general, typically characterized by the production of large volumes of urine, and may not be limited to nighttime. Anuria is the absence of urine production altogether, which is a much more severe condition. Recognizing these differences helps in diagnosing and managing urinary disorders effectively.