Sleep Cystometrography: A Preliminary Study of Bladder Function During Sleep

Bladder function during sleep was studied by the use of a cystometer which recorded detrusor contractions and intravesical pressure as urine accumulated in the bladder during diuresis. The cystometrographic tracing was obtained while the patient was awake. A detrusor contraction can occur during sleep. Results of such studies on five patients are presented, with photographs of representative cystometrographic tracings.The general pattern of the cystometrogram during sleep was found to be different from that obtained while the patient was awake. A detrusor contraction can occur during sleep and may subsequently: (a) subside without awakening the patient; (b) be associated with the involuntary escape of urine or flatus; or (c) cause the patient to awaken. It is suggested that detrusor contractions rather than increases in urinary volume are responsible for the individual''s awakening at night to urinate.In the light of these observations, further study of patients with enuresis and those with non-obstructive nocturia is required.