Here’s Why You Should Never Get Up To Pee In The Middle Of The Night

The pelvic floor might not appear to influence what happens during the night, yet the relationship is real. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I frequently explain why repeatedly waking to urinate is not considered healthy or restorative.

Many people share that they rise once, twice, or even several times overnight. Although this experience is common, it may indicate deeper concerns. Conversations often focus on bladder irritants, the timing of fluid intake, and methods used to retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods.

These approaches matter, but nighttime urination has another consequence—it can interrupt the REM stage of sleep.

REM, or rapid eye movement sleep, plays a vital role in emotional balance, memory processing, and learning ability. Consistently losing this stage can negatively affect both mental and physical well-being.

While in REM sleep, the body produces antidiuretic hormone, which limits urine formation by conserving fluids. This natural mechanism allows uninterrupted rest without the urge to use the bathroom.

Frequent nighttime trips may suggest that bladder behavior or pelvic floor function is disrupting this hormonal regulation.

Strengthening the pelvic floor, reducing bladder irritants, and adjusting evening hydration can decrease sleep disturbances. Protecting REM sleep is therefore just as essential as maintaining bladder health, since both contribute to feeling rested and maintaining overall wellness.