Bed wetting, or nocturnal enuresis, can affect people throughout their lifetime. It may occur during childhood and stop during adolescence, but start up again later on in life. At least 2 percent of adults have lack of control of urination during the night, according to the National Association for Continence. Factors that can play into adult bed wetting consist of lifestyle changes, infections, medications and many health problems. A health care provider can assist in diagnosing and treating individual causes of bed wetting.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person has repeated episodes of not breathing during sleep. The condition occurs from narrowing of the airway passages and muscles in the upper throat that relax too often during sleep. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical problem that affects up to 4 percent of middle aged adults. Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, however excess weight, smoking, hypotension, diabetes and middle aged adults or older are more susceptible to the condition. Obstructive sleep apnea tends to cause frequent urination at night, loud snoring, insomnia, headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections occur from infections in the urinary system. Bacteria are the main culprits for this infection and they tend to enter the urinary system through the urethra and bladder. The urethra is the canal that transports urine from the bladder. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body and they account for 8.3 million doctor visits each year. One of the main symptoms of a urinary tract infection consists of frequent and urgent desires to urinate that can result in bed wetting. Other common symptoms include pain and burning sensations during urination, discolored urine, strong-smelling urine, discharge and pressure.
Prostate Enlargement
Prostate enlargement is a common health problem for older men. The prostate gland forms part of the male reproductive system and surrounds the urethra, which is the canal that passes urine out of the body. The cause of prostate enlargement is not known, but experts believe it occurs from factors related to the testicles and stages of male of development. The New York Times Health guide notes that prostate enlargement occurs in many men older than 40 years and more than 90% of men older than 80 years. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can cause bladder and urination problems. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement include urinary urgencies, especially at night; weak urine streams; difficulty starting urination; not completely emptying the bladder and impaired kidney function.
