Bedwetting is a problem that is often associated with children. However, research suggests that around 1 – 2% of adults also struggle with it. In reality, the percentage may be even higher, but many people are reluctant to talk about this issue. When adults wet the bed, there is often an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea. How are these issues connected? This blog post provides helpful information.
Bedwetting, Nocturia, and Sleep Apnea
There is an association between sleep apnea and nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) and nocturia (getting up in the middle of the night to urinate). Nocturia is more common than bedwetting. It might occur for a couple of reasons:
- The disruptions in breathing associated with sleep apnea can cause your body to produce more atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone that causes the kidneys to release more sodium and water. In turn, this can lead to more urine production.
- As you repeatedly experience micro-arousals throughout the night, you may be more aware of your body’s queues than you would be if you were in deep sleep. This can cause you to sense that your bladder is full, so you get up to use the bathroom.
Nocturia is so common among people with sleep apnea that it can even signal to care providers that a sleep test is needed.
Occasional bedwetting can also come with sleep apnea, often due to increased urine production and disruptions in your body’s normal arousal responses.
Can Sleep Apnea Treatment Help?
Nighttime urination and bedwetting can have quite a few different causes, so it is important to consult your doctor if you have concerns about this issue. However, it can be encouraging to note that sleep apnea treatment may be able to help! These therapies restore healthy sleep patterns and may reduce nighttime urine production and bedwetting.
You may benefit from:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This uses a machine to maintain airflow. It can be very effective, but many patients find it to be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
- Oral appliance therapy. A custom oral appliance from a dentist can keep your airway open, leading to higher-quality sleep. Due to this method’s ease of use, it has a higher compliance rate than CPAP.
- Lifestyle changes. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, or sleeping on your side could all reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Bedwetting in adults can feel like an embarrassing or even taboo subject, but there is no need to be ashamed! Treatments are available that may allow you to enjoy more restful — and drier! — nights.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mitch Conditt is a highly experienced dentist who focuses on helping people fight sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. As a sleep apnea patient himself, he understands how challenging this condition can be! If you would like to learn more about your treatment options, our team would be happy to guide you on your next steps. Contact Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center at 817-527-8500.