Bed wetting can happen at any age. In adults it is important to remember that it is an involuntary reaction that is not normal. The muscles of the bladder are designed to hold the urine in until it is full. The nervous system then sends signals to the brain that it is time to empty the bladder which can be controlled voluntarily unless there is a disease or condition that affects this process. Bed wetting refers to the leaking of urine at night and differs from needing to go frequently. There are various reasons for adult bed wetting that can be evaluated by a physician so treatment can be started.
Hormone Imbalance
Normally the body releases a hormone called ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, which signals the kidneys to produce less urine. The body naturally increases the production of ADH at night so the body can rest without having to get up to go. Adult bed wetting can occur if the body does not make enough of this hormone. This condition can run in the family or be due to another disease such as diabetes. There are medications that can help to correct this hormonal imbalance.
Enlarged Prostate
As the prostate gland enlarges it can place pressure on the bladder and cause urine to leak. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse this can lead to a condition called urge incontinence. This condition creates a strong urge to urinate that can not be controlled and it can happen during the day or at night. A physician can perform a physical exam to determine if an enlarged prostate is causing the bed wetting.
Sleep Apnea
The Mayo Clinic says that bed wetting can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs because the muscles of the throat relax and temporarily block the airways. This causes the brain to signal the person to wake up and start breathing again. A loud snore will usually occur right before awakening. While the exact connection is not well understood, bed wetting can be a common symptom that occurs with this condition.
Medications
According to the National Association For Continence there are various medications which can cause bed wetting in adults as a side effect. This includes diuretics and calcium channel blockers which are usually used to treat heart disease. Other drugs such as muscle relaxants, sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants and cold medications all have ingredients that cause the bladder muscles to relax.
Diseases
The Merck website states that urinary tract infections can also lead to bed wetting in adults. This is more common in UTI's that cause the kidneys to not function properly. Conditions that affect the nervous system such as Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis can also contribute to leaking urine while sleeping. Decreasing fluid intake before bedtime and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption can help.
