Waking up once in a while to use the bathroom is normal, but frequent nighttime trips—known as nocturia—may signal heart issues, research suggests. While diabetes and an enlarged prostate are common causes, nocturia can also indicate heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood properly.
According to the NHS, heart failure is a long-term condition that worsens over time and can affect anyone, regardless of age. A Japanese study of 1,882 participants found that those who woke to urinate at least once per night had a 40% higher risk of hypertension.
However, Japan’s high salt consumption, which contributes to high blood pressure, also plays a role. Excessive salt intake and hypertension are major risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.
Additionally, frequent nighttime waking disrupts restorative sleep, which itself has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, making the connection between nocturia and heart health even more complex.