Bedwetting and nocturia as an adult may be embarrassing and confusing when you either wet the bed (nocturnal enuresis) or need to get up throughout the night to frequently void (nocturia). We often think these types of incidents no longer happen once we are out of our adolescent years. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies change.
There are several reasons that an adult may suffer from bedwetting and getting up to urinate throughout the night. Hormonal changes, illness, kidney problems, an enlarged prostate, and even medication can cause a person to produce more urine than normal. Regardless of age and gender, bedwetting and nocturia can happen to anyone at any stage in life. So what are some of the adult bedwetting or reasons you might need to get up to use the restroom several times a night?
We’ll discuss adult bedwetting and nocturia and the products that can be used to help manage these conditions. Incontinence briefs and diapers, underpads, and a few lifestyle changes can positively impact the quality of life.
So What Causes Adult Bedwetting?
Nocturnal enuresis and nocturia may stem from an underlying health condition and should be taken seriously. The following are some potential adult bedwetting causes.
Hormonal Changes
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) is a hormone that we make less of when we are sleeping. This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus part of the brain and then released from the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. ADH communicates with our kidneys and tells them to produce less urine. If a person does not make sufficient ADH, they are likely to have a bedwetting incident.
The Size of Your Bladder
A small bladder can affect how much urine a person can hold, therefore leading to leaking on the bedsheets. The bladder itself is not actually small, it is the fact that the bladder muscles become overactive, causing a continuous need to void.
Having an Overactive Bladder
When a person has an overactive bladder, the urinary muscles spasm and cause a sudden urge to frequently use the restroom. This may happen when a person has a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or an enlarged prostate. Other risk factors that might increase the chance of an overactive bladder are pregnancy, age, gender, weight, and having diabetes.
Suffering from Diabetes
If a person has diabetes, they do not process sugar (glucose) properly, leading to their bladder filling up quickly with large amounts of urine. The nerves may be affected that control bladder function and the increase in urine production.
Men That Have an Enlarged Prostate
In men, the prostate may become enlarged. Urine passes directly through the center of this gland as it travels from the bladder. With an enlarged prostate, urine may not flow normally as it is pressing on the urethral passage. This can cause the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
What You Might do to Prevent Adult Bedwetting and Nocturia
Since our bladder changes as we age, we sometimes are not prepared for some of the incidents that may happen when we are adults. Rather than accepting bedwetting and nocturnal enuresis as a fact of life, we should deal with it as a real issue that needs to be properly addressed. There are some things that you might be able to do to lessen or even halt the problem altogether.
Take Inventory of the Medicines You’re Taking
Sometimes, certain prescription medications may have side effects and may be one of many adult bedwetting causes. Wetting the bed and an increase in bathroom visits may be two of them. It may help to take the medication at an alternate time of day, but always consult with your doctor before making this decision on your own.
Observe Your Fluid Intake
A high intake of caffeine and alcohol can also raise the chances of suffering from nocturnal enuresis. Limiting the amount of these types of beverages you consume may help reduce the possibility of getting up to urinate throughout the night.
Could Constipation be the Issue?
When a person is constipated, their stool puts pressure on the bladder, which is directly in front of the rectum. This pressure makes it difficult to hold urine and can lead to bedwetting or making frequent bathroom runs throughout the night. It might be wise to monitor how frequently you are having regular bowel movements to avoid unnecessary suffering.
Empty Your Bladder Before Going to Bed
Emptying your bladder before you go to bed may have a great impact on avoiding incidents throughout the night. It is worth a try, however, if you are in need of further protection, there are incontinence products that you can use.
Consider Wearing or Adding Protection for Adult Bedwetting and Nocturia
Our Personally Delivered exclusive brand of Overnight Protective Underwear uses the most advanced technology to provide maximum absorbency and leakage protection that will keep you drier, comfortable, and protected all night long.
Depending on the severity of the bedwetting, there are a variety of incontinence products available for moderate to heavy bladder leakage. We carry everything from incontinence briefs, bladder pads, pantie liners, extra-large bed pads, and more for both men and women in a wide range of sizes.
It is essential to note that incontinence briefs are designed to provide full protection and are a popular choice for those that are bedridden, bound to a wheelchair, or lack dexterity. Incontinence briefs do not require the complete removal of clothing when changing and are an excellent choice for caregivers. Many top-performing incontinence briefs such as the Tranquility SmartCore Disposable Briefs offer superior absorbency and a fast-drying core that is effective for up to eight hours. That’s a full night’s sleep! These incontinence briefs are also a great option for those with fecal incontinence.
It may be helpful to keep a bladder journal for a few days to track how often you are urinating or leaking and when this is happening. You can share this with your health care provider so they can better understand what you are experiencing.
We have provided a Bladder Journal for your convenience that you can download and print to record your daily activity related to this condition here: Bladder Journal
Bladder Journal
As with any health concern, you should always speak to your doctor about adult bedwetting and nocturia. There may be something you can do or small changes you can make that you aren’t aware of to fully stop this issue. If you have any questions about the incontinence briefs or any other incontinence products we offer that may help you with your condition, we are just a phone call away and ready to help.
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