In this paper, we investigate a nonuniform node distribution strategy to mitigate the energy hole problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Firstly, based on the analysis of energy consumption, we deduce a novel continuous node density function. Secondly, with the transformation of the density function, we obtain the disk radius function. And then, based on the disk radius function, we propose a novel nonuniform node distribution using adaptive Poisson disk (NDAPD). Our strategy can make the node density vary continuously in the network and mitigate the energy hole problem effectively. Finally, a routing algorithm tailored is presented for the proposed nonuniform node distribution. Compared with other well-known nonuniform node distribution strategies, NDAPD can reduce the number of network nodes effectively, improve the utilization of network energy by 3%-5% and increase the data transmission rate to 100% in most cases. Like other strategies, our strategy can be applied to most scenarios.