What’s nocturnal incontinence?

Print anything with Printful



Nocturnal incontinence, or bedwetting, is the involuntary release of urine while sleeping. It is common in children aged 5-10 and can be caused by slower bladder growth, sleep apnea, genetics, and anxiety. Treatment options include limiting fluid intake, medication, and addressing underlying anxiety.

Also known as nocturnal urinary incontinence or nocturnal wetting, nocturnal incontinence is the involuntary release of urine while an individual is sleeping. Many children experience this condition between the ages of five and ten, but they usually outgrow bedwetting as their bodies continue to develop. In situations where incontinence continues into late childhood or recurs during adulthood, doctors often look for certain physical and emotional factors that indicate the source of the health problem.

There are several possible reasons for nocturnal incontinence. In children, there is a chance that the body develops at a slower pace. When this is the case, bladder growth may not progress at a normal rate. As a result, the child with a smaller bladder may feel a more frequent need to urinate, often with minimal control of bodily functions.

Sleep apnea can also act as a trigger for sleep incontinence in both children and adults. Disruption of a normal breathing pattern during sleep can cause discomfort to the body, causing the bladder to release stored urine. There’s also some evidence that genetics may play a role, suggesting that if one or both parents experienced bedwetting as children, their children are more likely to repeat the pattern.

Anxiety is also a possible cause of nocturnal incontinence. Anxiety can take the form of worry about a difficult situation at school or work that interferes with the normal sleep cycle and thus sets the stage for nocturnal enuresis. In advanced cases, the individual may develop a full-blown anxiety disorder. If you experience a panic attack while you sleep, your body’s reaction to the emotional anxiety may be to cause your bladder to empty.

Fortunately, there are some sleep incontinence treatments that can help control the condition or even eliminate bedwetting altogether. Limiting fluid intake for several hours before bedtime can be helpful in situations where the bladder or urinary system is developing at a slower rate or has been temporarily compromised due to an accident. There are also medications that can help minimize or even prevent involuntary urination at night. In situations where worry and anxiety are the root cause of nocturnal enuresis, finding ways to neutralize the underlying reasons for the anxiety will often result in a cessation of nocturnal incontinence and allow the sufferer to sleep soundly throughout the day. the night without release of urine.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content