Many people wake up more than once during the night to use the bathroom, a condition known as nocturia. It’s estimated that millions of adults experience it, with women often noticing it before age 50 and men more frequently after 60. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, disrupted sleep can affect energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Nocturia happens when the body produces an unusually high amount of urine overnight. One reason can be lower levels of the hormone that normally reduces urine production while sleeping. Without deep, restorative rest, the body may behave as if it’s daytime, leading to more frequent awakenings.
Other contributing factors can include an overactive bladder, age-related changes, or certain chronic conditions. Missing out on quality sleep doesn’t just cause tiredness — it can also influence concentration, memory, and long-term health.
The positive news is that lifestyle adjustments often help. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, keeping a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding heavy late-night meals, and creating a calm sleep environment can make a difference. If the problem persists, seeking medical advice is recommended, since those nightly trips could be your body’s way of signaling a health concern.