Known also as nocturnal enuresis, bed-wetting in adults can be even more embarrassing than bed-wetting in children. Its cause can be a simple matter such as the size of the bladder or a serious health-related condition. Whatever the cause may be, it is vital to recognize and treat it as soon as possible.
Medical Conditions
Sleep Disorders Guide, a site designed to help those with sleeping disorders and the conditions that accompany them, states that diabetes may be an underlying cause of adult bed-wetting. When there is a high level of sugar in the blood, the body produces more urine in an attempt to rid the body of the sugar. This increased need to urinate may result in bed-wetting.
Additional medical conditions that may cause nocturnal enuresis in adults include urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, sleep apnea, prostate cancer and urinary tract stones, as stated by the National Association for Continence.
Genetic Link
The National Association for Continence (NAC) explains that there may be a genetic link when it comes to bed-wetting. A child's risk of bed-wetting increases to 77 percent when both of his parents were bed-wetters themselves. This risk decreases to 40 percent when only one parent experienced this problem. While these percentages apply to children, the NAC states that the probabilities carry over into adulthood as well.
Small Bladder
The term "small bladder" does not necessarily refer to the physical size of the bladder, but rather the functional bladder capacity. This is the amount of urine the bladder can hold before letting the brain know it's time to use the bathroom. Those with a smaller bladder are capable of holding a smaller amount of urine than most people. This problem can lead to nocturnal enuresis, especially in those who sleep deeper than others; they are unable to receive the message that the bladder is full, resulting in bed-wetting.
Emotional or Neurological Problems
Adults who are under large amounts of stress, such as constant arguing with their mates, buying a new home or financial problems, may express this stress through bed-wetting.
Neurological problems also can cause bed-wetting. This can be any abnormality in the the nervous system due to injury or disease that results in an imbalance of the nervous system.
Medications
The NAC points out that certain medications may also be responsible for bed-wetting in adults. These can include medications taken for insomnia or drugs prescribed for psychiatric disorders, such as risperidone, thioridazine and clozapine. If you find your nocturnal enuresis began after beginning your medication, and has not yet subsided, speak to your doctor about other possible options.
