Exploring older peoples' experiences of nocturia: A poorly recognised urinary condition that limits participation

This study sought to understand the experience of living and coping with nocturia, from the perspective of community-living older men and women. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 32 older people with self-reported nocturia of twice nightly or more. Four key characteristics of nocturia were identified. Nocturia was described as simultaneously debilitating, frustrating, distressing and puzzling. It impacted on sleep patterns and quality, personal relationships and increased the fear of falling among older people when rising to use the toilet at night. Previously unrecognised variability and unpredictability in the condition were highlighted features.