Waking Up at Night to Pee? It Could Be a Warning Sign from Your Heart
Occasionally waking during the night to use the bathroom is perfectly normal. But if it’s happening frequently, it might be more than just an inconvenience—it could be a red flag for your heart. Known as nocturia, this condition is often linked to common culprits like diabetes or an enlarged prostate. However, new research suggests it may also signal heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that can affect people of any age, according to the NHS. And in a Japanese study involving nearly 1,900 participants, those who got up to urinate at least once per night were found to have a 40% higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
While Japan’s high salt intake—a known contributor to hypertension—plays a role, the connection between nocturia and cardiovascular health doesn’t stop there. Disrupted sleep caused by frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom also deprives the body of vital restorative rest. This lack of quality sleep has been tied to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
In short, if your nights are regularly interrupted by bathroom visits, your heart might be trying to tell you something important.
