Bedwetting in Adults: Why Does it Happen?

July 13, 2022

4 mins

A common occurrence growing up is wetting the bed from time to time. About 25 percent of children wet the bed on several occasions. 

Though it is much less talked about, bedwetting in adulthood is not uncommon. While wetting the bed as an adult may feel shameful or embarrassing, keep in mind that this happens to about 1 to 2% of adults on a regular basis.

There are many possible causes for bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, in adulthood. It is important to reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing nocturnal enuresis, as there are several ways to get the condition under control.

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Physical Causes of Adult Bedwetting

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the result of bacteria entering the urethra and then infecting any part of the urinary system. Some of the most common symptoms of UTIs include burning during urination, the urgent need to urinate constantly, and pressure or cramping in the stomach. 

When dealing with a UTI, adults may experience temporary bedwetting. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to treat UTIs, which can help resolve the issue of bedwetting if a UTI is the root cause. Antibiotics are the best bet for curing a UTI, but additional remedies like staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, and taking probiotics can help address symptoms.

Bladder or prostate disorders

Certain bladder or prostate conditions can contribute to enuresis in adults. Some of these conditions include:

• Overactive bladder: A problem with the bladder that causes the sudden need to urinate. In fact, up to 70-80% of adult bedwetting patients reported having an overactive bladder. Specific bladder therapies and medications can help you manage an overactive bladder.

• Urinary retention: A condition in which you are unable to fully empty your bladder of urine. Chronic urinary retention can prompt urine leakage. A catheter can provide short-term relief, while prescription medication may be needed to treat chronic urinary retention.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): When a man’s prostate gland is enlarged, but not cancerous. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the bladder wall and can limit the ability to control urination. Most instances of BPH are mild and can be treated with medications like Cialis. 

• Prostate cancer: A cancerous mass in a man’s prostate, with more than 300,000  new cases per year in the United States. One key warning sign of prostate cancer is the urgent need to urinate, especially at night. This can lead to nocturnal enuresis. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on its stage: it may include surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.

Neurological conditions

Impaired control of certain nerves in the body can disrupt normal bladder function. Therefore, individuals with neurological conditions may experience enuresis as a side effect. Some of these conditions include:

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Spinal cord injuries 

Losing control over your bladder as a result of a neurological condition is called neurogenic bladder. Neurological changes prevent the body and brain from being in sync, making it difficult for the signals of a full bladder to be received and controlled.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

Can stress cause bedwetting in adults?

Stress and anxiety are some of the most common causes of adult bedwetting. Chronic stress puts  strain on the body, both emotionally and physically. Interestingly, while most people associate sleep with the most peaceful part of the day, it is in fact when the body processes the day’s events. 

If there is an increase in stress during the day, it can raise the risk of wetting the bed. That being said, bedwetting is not typically caused by stress alone and usually results from a combination of factors.

Nevertheless, working to cope with anxiety can be useful in limiting your chances of wetting the bed. There are numerous ways to treat anxiety, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Sleep disorders

Sleep conditions like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome (RLS) are very common, but most people do not talk about one of the most common side effects of both: bedwetting. 

RLS correlates with a significant increase in bedwetting. Sleep apnea is also shown to contribute to adult bedwetting, with approximately 7% of adults with sleep apnea reportedly experiencing bedwetting.

Treating these conditions is crucial to effectively manage bedwetting and mitigate any accompanying side effects. Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea or taking dopamine-increasing medications for RLS may help control these conditions.

Hormonal issues

A common cause of nocturnal enuresis is an imbalance of hormones. The body naturally produces more of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) at night, which signals your kidneys to slow down the production of urine.

But if you are experiencing any sort of condition that could throw your hormones out of whack or if your body has simply never produced the appropriate amount of ADH, you will be more prone to wetting the bed.

Medications and Substances That Cause Bedwetting in Adults

Bedwetting can also be a side effect of certain medications, including those prescribed for  insomnia and psychiatric purposes. 

In order to avoid unwanted side effects, like bedwetting, it is important to consult with your licensed healthcare provider about the potential complications of your medications.

Various substances can also act as diuretics – meaning they encourage water loss through urine –  increasing the chances of developing enuresis as an adult. Alcohol and caffeine are both substances that, if consumed in excess, can lead to bedwetting due to their diuretic effect.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Plan out your fluid intake timing

Poor timing of fluid intake can contribute to an increased risk of bedwetting. The more liquid you drink close to the time you go to bed, the higher your chances of wetting the bed. 

While bedwetting incidents are typically the result of an underlying issue, it can’t hurt to monitor your fluid consumption as bedtime nears. 

Set a special alarm

A enuresis alarm is a specific device designed to go off when a person begins to wet the bed. It wakes them up, so ideally they have time to get from the bed to the toilet before continuing to urinate. 

The idea is that, over time, your body adjusts to waking itself up when it feels the sensation of a full bladder.

Use products to help

If you are trying to get to the root of the problem, but have not yet solved it, there are many ways to help you manage bedwetting in the meantime.

Invest in specific mattress covers, absorbent briefs, and anti-irritant skincare products. All of these products can make a huge difference in your comfort, allowing you to put your focus toward treating your underlying condition.

Take medication

Consult with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about bedwetting. Some medications have shown benefits in treating nocturnal enuresis. These include:

• Desmopressin: An antidiuretic prescription medication used to treat diabetes, bedwetting, and certain bleeding issues.

• Anticholinergic medications: Medications that block certain neurotransmitters (which create involuntary muscle movements), thus strengthening the bladder muscles.

• Darifenacin or tolterodine: Prescription bladder relaxants that treat an overactive bladder and the frequent need to urinate.

• Oxybutynin or trospium: Antimuscarinic muscle relaxants that increase the volume of urine the bladder can hold and control the release of it.

• Cialis: A prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and BPH that can help with bladder control.

Seeking Support 

If you are experiencing any type of nocturnal enuresis, consider seeking professional medical advice. Destigmatizing the conversation around bedwetting as an adult will make it easier to take the first step toward recovery. 

An accurate diagnosis is key to treating the root of the condition. Get your sleep back on track with REX MD.