Downstate Expert Featured in The Washington Post on Healthy Aging and Sleep Health

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jul 21, 2026

Jeffrey P. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology, was recently featured in The Washington Post discussing nocturia, the medical term for frequent nighttime urination. The condition affects millions of adults and becomes more common with age.

In the article, Dr. Weiss joined Camille Vaughan, M.D., Professor and Director of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Emory University School of Medicine, to explain why nocturia should not be dismissed as simply a normal part of getting older. While waking occasionally during the night may be expected, frequent nighttime urination and disrupted sleep can be signs of an underlying medical condition that should be evaluated.

Drawing on over three decades of research, Dr. Weiss explained that nocturia is often associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, overactive bladder, and enlarged prostate. His approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than simply managing the symptom.

The article also highlighted research by Dr. Weiss and colleagues, including Jason Lazar, M.D., Ph.D., MPH., Executive Vice Dean and Chair of the Department of Medical Education, showing that reducing dietary sodium may lessen nighttime urination in patients with cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that practical lifestyle changes can improve sleep while supporting overall health.

The national coverage highlights Downstate's ongoing contributions to research that helps physicians better understand common health conditions and improve patient care. Dr. Weiss's work has helped change the way nocturia is viewed, from an unavoidable consequence of aging to a treatable condition that can affect sleep quality, cognition, fall risk, and quality of life.