Adjustment to an Appropriate Bedtime Improves Nocturia in Older Adults: A Cross Over Study

Abstract This study examined whether nocturia can be improved by adhering to an appropriate bedtime among older adults. This prospective comparative crossover study included alternate 4-week intervention and non-intervention periods with a 2-week washout period. During the intervention, participants went to bed at a personalized bedtime, as determined by data from a wrist-wearable device. The frequency-volume chart and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were administered before and after each period. The analysis included 24 of 33 patients enrolled for the study. Twenty-two participants tended to go to bed earlier than their optimal bedtime, so the mean bedtime changed from 21:30 to 22:11 hours after intervention (p < 0.001). The least-square mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) change in nocturnal urinary frequency within-participant difference was − 0.889 (-1.30 to -0.482) times (p < 0.001). During the intervention and non-intervention periods, the average changes in nocturnal urine volume were − 105.6 ml and + 4.4 ml (p = 0.041), the mean changes in hours of undisturbed sleep were + 62.8, and + 12.7 minutes (p = 0.008), and the average changes in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were − 2.4 and + 1.2 (p = 0.027). Older adults with nocturia tend to go to bed earlier than their ideal bedtime. Bedtime correction significantly reduces nocturnal urinary frequency and improves sleep quality.