Enuresis Adult Bed-Wetting

Wetting the Bed As An Adult Is Something Which Is Usually Associated With Childhood

In fact, up to 25% of children experience this issue, which is also known as nocturnal enuresis.

However, wetting the bed as an adult is something that does occur in 1-2% of adults and can have multiple different reasons.

In theory, the number may even be higher than that many adults may feel too ashamed to talk to their medical professional about their issue.

It is important to know right off the bat is that occasional bed-wetting as an adult can be normal. Sometimes things happen in life which can trigger these accidents, such as a heavy emotional event like the loss of a loved one or too much stress.

If you experience the issue frequently though, it may be a cause for concern and we highly recommend you to pay a visit to your doctor.

While waiting for your appointment we can have a look at the causes, symptoms, and how to stop adult bed-wetting.

Causes Of Adult Bed-Wetting

There are many different potential causes of adult bed-wetting. Let's take a look at each of them in detail.

Small Bladder

Let's first debunk a myth: when we talk about a small bladder, it isn't technically smaller than that of others - It simply feels fuller to you at lower volumes.

In other words: your bladder might be functioning as if it's smaller. It is also often described as an overactive bladder .

If that is the case, it could be the reason why you need to go to the bathroom more frequently than others.

In turn, it could also be the reason for your nocturnal enuresis.

Hormonal Issues

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is what tells your kidneys to ease up on the production of urine. Normally, your body will produce more ADH during the night in order for you to sleep better.

However, some people either don't produce enough ADH or simply don't respond to it well.

Especially when combined with other factors, such as other problems with sleep or other bladder issues during the day, an imbalance in ADH may be the culprit for your adult bed-wetting .

Cancer

Tumors in and around your prostate or bladder may be what is causing the disturbances in your urinary tract.

This is one of the most severe causes of adult bed-wetting, and also one that should be treated immediately.

We would like to remind you once again that if you are experiencing this issue frequently to consult with your local doctor as soon as possible.

Overactive Muscles

The muscles that control your bladder are called detrusor muscles. The fuller your bladder is, the more they relax and vice-versa.

If your detrusor muscles contract at the wrong time, it will make it very difficult for you to control when you pee. This usually happens in connection with alcohol, caffeine, or some types of medication .

These substances may cause distorted signals to be sent between your brain and your bladder.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you breathe irregularly during the night.

A study found that a whopping 7% of people with sleep apnea also suffer from adult bed-wetting. In addition, it also found that your bed-wetting may get worse as your sleep apnea also gets worse.

Diabetes

If your blood sugar levels are high, your body tells your kidneys to manage your sugar levels by increasing the amount of urine it produces.

This is called diabetes mellitus , and can lead to an increased need to urinate – especially during the night.

Medications

Some types of prescription meds are known to make you go to the bathroom more frequently and increase bladder contractions.

Usually, the medications which may have this side effect are antipsychotics and sleep aids. Before taking any type of medication, please make sure to consult with your doctor beforehand.

Neurological Disorders

Some neurological disorders may make it difficult for you to control your bladder, such as:

Parkinson's disease
Seize disorders
Multiple sclerosis

Genetics

Do you know whether anyone else in your family has had similar issues with bed-wetting? Adult bed-wetting is quite commonly shared from one generation to another.

While it is still unclear today which genes are responsible, it is clear that you are much more likely to suffer from bed-wetting as an adult if a close relative of yours has as well.

Problems With Your Urinary Tract

Blockage in your urinary tract might be another reason why you might be suffering from adult bed-wetting.

Blockages can be caused by tumors, bladder or kidney stones. In addition, another common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI).

This is when your bladder becomes very irritated and inflamed, which leads to involuntary urination during the night.

Physical Changes In Your Body

When you urinate, it comes from your kidneys through your ureter to your bladder.

Once it reaches the bladder, your body usually contracts it to send your urine through your urethra and out of your body.

If any of those steps is in any way harmed, hindered or narrowed, you may face difficulties in keeping control over your urination.

How To Stop Adult Bed-Wetting

Management

Mattress Covers Protect your bed and mattress with special mattress covers. Look for mattress covers or sheet protectors that include vinyl, waterproof and are absorbing to make it easier to clean up after wetting the bed.

Absorbent Briefs Absorbent underwear helps to prevent leakage. You can choose if you want to purchase reusable or disposable ones.

Skincare Products The skin can get irritated from the frequent bedwetting. To protect the skin, you can use soaps, lotions and cleansing cloths depending on your skin type.

Lifestyle Modifications

Fluid Intake Don't drink too much in the late afternoon and evening. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks before bed.

Bedwetting Alarm System There are different humidity-detection devices that can be attached to a pad or your underwear during the night. Depending on the model, they will wake you up when you start wetting the bed through sounds or vibrations.

Waking Up Between Sleep Use an alarm clock to wake you up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Try to set different times each night to avoid your bladder getting used to a specific time.

Medication to Treat the Causes of Adult Bedwetting

Desmopressin decreases the urine production in your kidneys.
Imipramine is a type of antidepressant which is also used to treat adult bed-wetting.
Anticholinergic Medications are effective for treating an overactive bladder.

Surgery

Sacral Nerve Stimulation reduces your need to urinate. It is recommended for people who have already unsuccessfully tried other treatments.
Clam Cystoplasty bladder capacity and reduces bladder instability increases.

Myectomy detrusor strengthens bladder contractions and reduces the frequency as well.

How To Improve The Quality Of Your Sleep

Having latex mattresses, latex mattress toppers and latex pillows with Vita Talalay inside will most likely improve your sleeping experience.

They come with their own list of benefits as well, and are designed to get you the healthiest sleep experience possible.

Wetting The Bed Can Be Inherited

Yes No

Research has shown that there is a link between the genetics and wetting the bed as adults. There is evidence that wetting the bed is hereditary. If both your parents have bedwetting problems, then there is 77% chance that you get bedwetting issues. If one the parent wet the bed as a child, then your chances are 40%., which can be carried into adulthood. Research has shown that there is a link between the genetics and wetting the bed as adults. There is evidence that wetting the bed is hereditary. If both your parents have bedwetting problems, then there is 77% chance that you get bedwetting issues. If one the parent wet the bed as a child, then your chances are 40%., which can be carried into adulthood.

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Enuresis – Adult Bed Wetting