You’re sound asleep — until you feel it:

The familiar urge to pee.

You get up.
Go back to bed.
And two hours later… it happens again.

If you’re waking up multiple times a night to urinate, you’re not alone.
But what you may not realize is that this common habit — called nocturia — isn’t just a bathroom issue.

Emerging research suggests it could be an early warning sign of heart problems, including heart failure.

Let’s explore the surprising link between nighttime urination and heart health — and when it’s time to talk to your doctor.

🧠 What Is Nocturia?

Nocturia is the need to wake up two or more times per night to urinate.
It affects:

Over 50% of adults over 50

Up to 80% of people over 80
While often dismissed as a normal part of aging or a prostate issue, nocturia can be a red flag for underlying conditions — including cardiovascular disease.

❤️ The Heart-Bladder Connection: Why Heart Failure Causes Nighttime Urination

It may seem strange — what does your heart have to do with your bladder?

But here’s how it works:

1. Fluid Redistribution

During the day, people with heart failure often have swelling in the legs and feet (edema) due to poor circulation

When you lie down at night, gravity shifts that fluid from your legs back into your bloodstream
Your kidneys respond by producing more urine to remove the excess fluid
🔬 This process is called nocturnal polyuria — a key driver of nocturia in heart patients.