Waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom is a common issue known as nocturia. It affects sleep quality and becomes more prevalent with age, though younger people experience it too. Researchers from Japan's University of Nagasaki have pinpointed a key culprit: excessive salt intake.
In a three-month study, the team tracked 321 participants with nocturia and high salt consumption. Two-thirds cut their intake from 10.7 g to 8 g daily, halving their nighttime bathroom visits on average—an effect also observed during the day. Conversely, 98 participants who increased salt intake saw a sharp rise in nighttime urination. Lead researcher Dr. Matsuo Tomohiro noted: “This is the first study showing salt's impact on urination frequency; larger trials are needed. [...] It suggests simple dietary changes can significantly boost quality of life.”
There's little downside to trying a modest salt reduction yourself.
