Waking once during the night to use the bathroom is normal, but repeated nighttime trips to the toilet could be a warning sign of a health problem, doctors have said, according to Fox News.
Waking more than once a night to urinate may point to nocturia, a condition that, according to a recent report from StudyFinds, affects roughly half of people over the age of 50 and becomes more common with age.
Fox News noted that under the definition set out by the International Continence Society, even a single nighttime trip to the bathroom qualifies as nocturia, though frequency, how much it disrupts sleep, and any change from a person's usual pattern also matter.
Urologist Ali Dabaja said everyone has their own baseline for how often they normally need to urinate. But he said that waking up at least twice to use the bathroom during eight hours of sleep is considered nocturia.
Not Just a Bladder Problem
Licensed physician Jeffrey Chester said nocturia is not simply a bladder issue. He said a change in nighttime urination patterns is worth reporting to a doctor or other health care provider, particularly if it started suddenly, has become more frequent, or is disrupting a person's sleep.
Chester added that alcohol and caffeine consumption, the amount and timing of fluid intake, and certain medications can all contribute to the problem.
Naturopathic doctor Katherine Darley agreed that waking once a night is not a cause for concern. But she said waking more than once could be a "cause for concern."
Risk of Falls at Night
Experts said frequent nighttime bathroom trips can raise the risk of falls, particularly for people who have trouble with mobility or balance. Studies cited in the report show that two or more nighttime trips to the bathroom are linked to a higher risk of injury from falls.
Possible Underlying Causes
Darley said sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, can also be a factor, since the condition can affect hormones involved in suppressing urine production at night.
Restless legs syndrome may also contribute to nighttime urination and becomes more common with age, Darley added. She advised starting with a visit to a family doctor to identify a possible underlying cause, and speaking with doctors and pharmacists to check whether medications could be behind frequent bathroom trips. In some cases, she said, the timing of a medication dose can be adjusted to prevent nighttime waking.
According to the report, other possible causes include diabetes, an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate, and fluid retention in the body.
Simple Changes That May Help
Darley said some people may benefit from simple changes to their habits, including avoiding fluids for roughly two hours before bed. She also recommended removing rugs and clutter from the floor and using soft amber lighting at night.
She suggested sitting on the edge of the bed before standing up to avoid dizziness, and installing grab bars for extra support.
