Too Many Bathroom Trips May Signal Health Trouble

An overactive bladder can be a bother -- particularly when it wakes you several times a night. Now disturbing new research links frequent nighttime urination to increased mortality among the elderly. Japanese researchers monitoring 788 men and women (70 years and older) found that those who woke up two or more times at night to use the bathroom were 268% more likely to die during the three-year study than those who went once or not at all. In other words, of the 31 subjects who died in that time period, 24 had been in the 2+ a night category, vs. just 7 in the once or less category.

Urologists say the normal number of daily bathroom trips is around 4-8, and that the urge to go should not interrupt your sleep on a regular basis. Frequent nighttime urination -- or "nocturia" -- can signal serious underlying health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney failure. But dietary factors can also contribute to an overactive bladder. So if you're concerned, consider your intake of acidic bladder irritants such as coffee, cola, alcohol, chocolate and spicy food, as well as medications which may have a diuretic effect. See your doctor to evaluate your situation.

Sleep interruptions -- whether from urination or sleep apnea and snoring -- can aggravate health problems, not just indicate them. Missed ZZZs can undermine your immunity, hamper weight loss, even dull your complexion. For more peaceful rest, avoid rich meals before bedtime, as research links higher fat intake with more sleep disruption.

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