Wouldn't it be amazing if we could turn our bladder off and put it to bed when we go to sleep? No, really, how great would it be if you could sleep through the whole night without getting up to pee? Unfortunately, sometimes, our bladders do not cue us to pee before bed, or worse, while sleeping. When this happens, we may wake up with wet sheets or a sudden urge to go pee, and we can't make it to the bathroom in time. There are many causes of Urinary Incontinence at night, some are minor causes, or it could be a symptom of a severe condition. Here’s a little more information.
What causes sudden urinary incontinence at night?
Overactive bladder
When you are in the bathroom, your brain signals your bladder muscles to squeeze to eliminate the urine from your bladder. An overactive bladder will squeeze your bladder muscles and release urine when you are not expecting it or not ready to use the restroom.
Genetics
Many things run in our families, such as hair or eye color, but we may also be predisposed to Urinary Incontinence. Talk to your family to get a better understanding of medical history to see if this might be a cause.
Hormonal imbalances
Our hormones play a significant role in our bodies' regulation, so it makes sense that it would affect our urinary Incontinence at night. For example, at night, our bodies create an Antidiuretic Hormone or ADH hormone. ADH helps regulate the amount of water in your kidneys and slows urine production while you sleep. If this hormone is low, you may experience bed wetting while sleeping.
Medications
Certain medications may put you at risk for nighttime bedwetting. Contact your doctor if you are concerned that your medication may contribute to your bedwetting. Medications that may cause urinary Incontinence at night include:
- High Blood Pressure Medication containing alpha blockers
- Sleep medications
- Antidepressants
- Water pills
Diet
Doctors try to avoid blaming a specific food item on Urinary Incontinence because there is little research done to prove that particular foods alone cause bladder leaks or bedwetting while sleeping. Instead, it is essential to focus on specific food groups to avoid, such as spicy food and dairy products, as they may irritate your bladder. Common foods to avoid are:
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine (especially at night time)
- Acidic Foods
- Spicy Foods
- Sugary Foods
- Dairy
Not only is it essential to adjust your diet and eliminate troublesome foods, but it may also be necessary to focus on our water intake. It may seem like a no-brainer, but drinking water keeps you hydrated and makes you pee. Therefore, a good rule is to discontinue drinking water for at least 2 hours before bed.
Bladder instability
Bladder instability is a term many of us haven't heard before because it's not commonly discussed. Bladder instability is characterized by frequent and sudden urges to use the restroom. Sometimes when you have to go, you have to go, and you can't wait. Bladder instability knows no concept of time. That means it may be two in the morning, and you suddenly feel the urge to go, but it is too late, and you can't get to the bathroom in time.
Medical Condition
Certain medical conditions may increase your risk of developing Urinary Incontinence, such as diabetes and urinary tract infections. See your doctor if you are concerned your bedwetting may be contributing to a medical condition. Bedwetting is a symptom of more severe conditions, such as issues with prostate or bladder cancer
Tips for managing urinary incontinence at night
Don’t drink fluids before to going to bed
Drinking water before bed may increase your need to urinate before bed and interrupt your sleep cycle. Be sure to stop drinking liquids at least two hours before your bedtime. If you need to drink water during that window, take small sips of water and only consume what is needed.
Stay dry with absorbent Proof leak proof underwear
If only we could snap our fingers and never experience bladder leaks again. But it is not that easy. Proof. Bladder Leak Protection Underwear was designed for bladder leaks to ensure you stay protected while you sleep. The underwear's moisture-wicking fabric absorbs bladder leaks into the super absorbent Leak-Loc core. Proof undies also contain antimicrobial fibers that inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce odors, leaving you with a fresh and dry feeling when you wake up. The leakproof underwear is reusable, and an average pair may last up to 2 to 3 years with proper care. In addition, they are discrete, and one pair of underwear can be worn all day. So say goodbye to your panty liners and hello to discrete underwear.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Moms run on coffee, but it could be causing leaks. Caffeine activates the bladder by causing muscle contractions which signals your body that you need to pee. Oh and alcohol too. All the fun stuff is off limits. Alcohol suppresses the release of the antidiuretic hormone or ADH. ADH controls your body's ability to preserve water in the kidneys. When you consume alcohol, your body's ability to store water in your kidneys decreases, releasing more urine. When you go to sleep, your bladder doesn't stop. The reduction in ADH hormone will often affect your ability to hold urine while sleeping, possibly causing you to wet the bed
When to see a doctor
While you can use many strategies at home to help cope with Urinary Incontinence, you may wonder when it's time to see a doctor. You should see a doctor:
- When your incontinence happens suddenly with no underlying medical issue.
- When incontinence is preventing you from doing your daily activities
- If you are anxious about being too far from the bathroom
- You always feel like your bladder always feels full.
- You tried at-home treatment options and you did not see improvement.
How Proof can help
Proof provides freedom of all types of leaks, from periods to pregnancy to postpartum to incontinence. We were founded by three sisters who know firsthand the experience of navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and leaks. We are here to empower women by boosting their confidence and ensuring no leaks will stop you from enjoying your day. Proof Leakproof underwear offers four levels of protection from your smallest of leaks to your largest of leaks. The light Leakproof underwear holds up to 2 teaspoons of liquid and is the perfect panty liner replacement. The super-heavy leakproof underwear holds up to 10 teaspoons of fluid and is best for moderate bladder leaks. Proof has you covered for your lightest days to your heaviest days. So say goodbye to Urinary Incontinence at night and hello to dry nights and restful mornings.
If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, be sure to talk to you primary care physician, but know that Proof Leakproof underwear can be a total lifesaver with managing symptoms day or night.
