As people age, sleep stages and characteristics transition over time, but sleep deficits can profoundly impact health and cognitive functioning. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to impaired attention and productivity, weakened immunity, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health disorders. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, hormonal changes, nocturia, neurological disorders, and life events interfere with sleep patterns and some are linked to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This NOPIA symposium on Lifelong LUTS aimed to analyze the literature on associations between sleep and LUTS, generate ideas for future research, and explore whether there is support for the concept of lifelong LUTS in relation to changes in sleep throughout the lifespan.
An international panel of experts took part in an online meeting addressing the role of lifelong LUTS in relationship to sleep and the brain organized by the NOPIA research group. The manuscript summarizes existing literature, hypotheses, future research ideas, and clinical recommendations.
Insomnia, sleep fragmentation, hyperarousal, and sensory processing disorders emerged as potential factors in the relationship between sleep and LUTS. Insomnia is often a persistent factor and may have been the initial symptom; however, it is often unrecognized and/or unaddressed in healthcare settings. By recognizing insomnia as a primary driver of various health issues, including nocturia, transitional care aims to address root causes and underlying problems earlier to initiate appropriate treatment.
A multidisciplinary approach with collaboration between healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as urology, sleep medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, and geriatrics, is needed and should include validated measurements such as the insomnia severity index and sleep and voiding diaries. Ensuring ongoing follow-up and monitoring through transitional care is crucial for individuals with persistent sleep problems and LUTS, allowing issues that arise or fluctuate over the lifespan to be addressed.
Neurourology and urodynamics. 2024 Jan 30 [Epub ahead of print]
Irina Verbakel, George Boukheir, Mathijs de Rijk, Karlien Dhondt, Don Bliwise, Kim Pauwaert, Thomas Monaghan, Francois Hervé, Dirk Vogelaers, An Mariman, Karel Everaert
Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium., Department of Urology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands., Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pediatric Sleep Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium., Sleep Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA., Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA., Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium., Center for Integrative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.