Nighttime bathroom trips could reveal hidden health issues — here's when to worry

Getting out of bed once during the night to use the bathroom is common, but repeated trips could signal underlying issues, health experts warn.

Waking up more than once a night to urinate can meet the clinical definition of nocturia, which affects about half of adults over 50 and becomes more common with age, according to a recent StudyFinds report. The International Continence Society’s formal definition of nocturia includes even one nighttime trip, but frequency, disruption and a change from a person’s usual pattern all matter.

"Everyone has a baseline of what’s normal urinary frequency for them," Dr. Ali Dabaja, a urologist at Henry Ford Health in Michigan, told the outlet. "But if you wake at least twice to go to the bathroom during eight hours of sleep, that’s considered nocturia."

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Nocturia isn't simply a bladder issue, according to Dr. Jeffrey Chester, a licensed physician and medical director of The Ohana Luxury Addiction Treatment Center in Hawaii.

Nighttime bathroom trips can disrupt sleep and may become more common with age. (iStock)

"A change in nighttime urinary patterns is definitely worth mentioning to a physician or healthcare provider, especially when it begins suddenly, becomes more frequent, or disrupts a person's sleep," Chester told Fox News Digital.

Alcohol and caffeine intake, the amount and timing of fluid consumption, and certain medications can all contribute, he added.

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Waking up once isn't a cause for concern, agreed Catherine Darley, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Skilled Sleeper in Seattle, but more than once can be "concerning," she told Fox News Digital.

Experts note that it can raise the risk of falls, especially for those with mobility or balance challenges. Research shows two or more nightly trips to the bathroom are linked to a higher risk of fall-related injuries, StudyFinds reported.

Repeated nighttime wake-ups to use the bathroom can increase fall risks, research has found. (iStock)

Sleep disorders can also be a factor, Darley said, including obstructive sleep apnea, which can affect hormones involved in suppressing urine production overnight. Restless legs syndrome could also contribute to nighttime urination and is more common with age, Darley added.

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She advised starting with your primary care provider to look for an underlying cause, and checking in with doctors and pharmacists to see if medications could be involved in frequent bathroom trips. In some cases, they could adjust the timing to prevent late-night wake-ups.

Other issues could be the cause, too, according to StudyFinds, including diabetes, and overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate and fluid buildup.

Experts say the timing and amount of fluids, caffeine, alcohol and some medications can contribute to nighttime urination. (iStock)

For some people, simple habits can help, including not drinking for roughly two hours before bedtime and stopping alcohol about three hours before bed, Darley said.

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She also suggested keeping floors clear of rugs and clutter, using gentle amber lighting, sitting on the edge of the bed before standing to avoid getting dizzy and installing grab bars for extra support.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.