Which term describes excessive nighttime urine production?

• A. Nocturnal enuresis
• B. Detrusor overactivity
• C. Nocturnal polyuria
• D. Urge incontinence

Answer: (C)

Nocturnal polyuria is the term for producing too much urine at night, which leads to waking up to urinate. This concept distinguishes nighttime production from bladder storage issues or leakage problems. When the amount of urine produced overnight is disproportionately high—often defined as more than about one-third of the total daily urine—the body isn’t concentrating urine well at night, or fluid shifts and other factors increase nighttime output. That’s why this term best fits “excessive nighttime urine production.”

Other terms describe different problems: nocturnal enuresis is bedwetting during sleep; detrusor overactivity is involuntary bladder contractions causing urgency and possible leakage; urge incontinence is leakage tied to a sudden urge to void. These do not specify elevated nighttime urine production.