Getting out of bed once during the night to use the bathroom is common. However, repeated trips may signal an underlying issue and are worth discussing with a healthcare provider, according to health experts.

Waking more than once a night to urinate can meet the clinical definition of nocturia, according to a recent StudyFinds report. The condition affects about half of adults over 50 and becomes more common with age.

The International Continence Society formally defines nocturia as waking even once during the night to urinate. Still, experts say the frequency of the trips, the amount of sleep disruption and any change from a person’s normal pattern all matter.

"Everyone has a baseline of what’s normal urinary frequency for them," Dr. Ali Dabaja, a urologist at Henry Ford Health in Michigan, told the outlet. "But if you wake at least twice to go to the bathroom during eight hours of sleep, that’s considered nocturia."

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Nocturia is not simply a bladder issue, according to Dr. Jeffrey Chester, a licensed physician and medical director of The Ohana Luxury Addiction Treatment Center in Hawaii. Changes in nighttime bathroom patterns can have several possible contributors.

"A change in nighttime urinary patterns is definitely worth mentioning to a physician or healthcare provider, especially when it begins suddenly, becomes more frequent, or disrupts a person's sleep," Chester told Fox News Digital.

Alcohol and caffeine intake may contribute to nighttime urination, Chester said. The amount and timing of fluid consumption can also play a role, along with certain medications.

Catherine Darley, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Skilled Sleeper in Seattle, agreed that waking once during the night is not a cause for concern. Going to the bathroom more than once, however, can be "concerning," she told Fox News Digital.

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Repeated nighttime trips can also create safety concerns by raising the risk of falls, particularly for people with mobility or balance challenges. Research cited by StudyFinds found that two or more bathroom trips each night are linked to a higher risk of fall related injuries.

Sleep disorders may be another factor, Darley said. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect hormones involved in suppressing urine production overnight, while restless legs syndrome may also contribute to nighttime urination and becomes more common with age.

Darley advised beginning with a primary care provider to look for an underlying cause. She also recommended checking with doctors and pharmacists to determine whether medications might be contributing to frequent nighttime bathroom trips.

In some cases, the timing of a medication could be adjusted to help prevent nighttime waking. Other possible issues listed by StudyFinds include diabetes, an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate and fluid buildup.

For some people, changes in evening habits may help reduce bathroom trips. Darley suggested not drinking for roughly two hours before bedtime and stopping alcohol about three hours before bed.

Because nighttime waking can increase fall risks, Darley also recommended keeping floors free of rugs and clutter. Gentle amber lighting can provide visibility without requiring bright lights during a bathroom trip.

She suggested sitting on the edge of the bed before standing to avoid getting dizzy. Installing grab bars can offer additional support for people who face mobility or balance challenges.

Ultimately, a person’s usual pattern remains an important point of comparison. A sudden increase, greater frequency or repeated sleep disruption can be a reason to speak with a physician or healthcare provider about possible causes.