Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia: Also Effective for Nocturia

ObjectivesTo evaluate changes in self-reported nocturia in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older who received behavioral treatment for chronic insomnia. DesignSecondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention for sleep. SettingAcademic medical center. ParticipantsOf the 79 enrollees, this analysis focused on 30 who, in addition to insomnia, also reported at least one nightly episode of waking up to void. InterventionThe brief behavioral treatment of insomnia (BBTI) group (n=14) received instructions on reducing time in bed and setting a regular sleep schedule. The information control (IC) group (n=16) received printed materials. A nurse clinician delivered both interventions. MeasurementsSelf-reported nocturnal awakenings to void assessed daily for 14days at baseline and 4weeks after the intervention. Participants who reported at least one episode of nocturia per night at baseline were included in this analysis. ResultsIn individuals with nocturia at baseline, the total number of nocturnal voids over the 14-day assessment period decreased by 6.54.8 in the BBTI group and increased by 1.3 +/- 7.3 in the IC group (P=.04, effect size 0.82). After adjusting for baseline nocturia episodes, the difference remained significant (P=.05). ConclusionIn older adults with concurrent insomnia and nocturia, behavioral treatment directed solely at insomnia may also improve self-reported nocturia. Behavioral treatment of insomnia should be further investigated for its effect on nocturia in individuals with concurrent insomnia and nocturia.