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Nighttime Bathroom Trips May Signal Health Issues, Experts Warn
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In Short: Changes in nighttime urination patterns, especially if they disrupt sleep or occur frequently, could indicate underlying health problems, according to urologists.
Nighttime bathroom trips can disrupt sleep and may become more common with age, according to Dr. Ali Dabaja, a urologist at Henry Ford Health in Michigan. Changes in these patterns, especially if they occur suddenly or become more frequent, are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider, he advises.
Research shows that two or more nightly trips to the bathroom are linked to a higher risk of fall-related injuries, and repeated nighttime wake-ups can increase fall risks, as noted by health experts.
Experts recommend simple habits like not drinking for roughly two hours before bedtime and stopping alcohol about three hours before bed to help manage nighttime urination. Getting out of bed once during the night is common, but repeated trips could signal underlying issues.
The International Continence Society defines nocturia as even one nighttime trip, but frequency, disruption, and a change from a person’s usual pattern all matter in determining the need for medical attention.
What's still developing
- 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.
Sources
- Fox Newslink