While about one in four children have problems with wetting the bed at some point, it is believed that one to two percent of adults may deal with this same embarrassing problem. While it isn’t a big deal if it happens once or on occasion, persistent or frequent bedwetting may be the result of a medical condition called sleep apnea. Here’s how sleep apnea and bedwetting are related and how they can be treated.
How Can Sleep Apnea Cause Bedwetting?
Sleep apnea is a condition that can interrupt a person’s sleep more than a hundred times in one night and may contribute to cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. While researchers have determined that sleep apnea is linked to needing to urinate more frequently at night, the exact nature of the connection is uncertain. However, research shows that treating sleep apnea may help reduce a patient’s need to urinate at night.
How Do I Know if My Bedwetting is Caused by Sleep Apnea?
While some experts encourage doctors to ask about frequent urination at night when screening for sleep apnea, many patients may be hesitant to admit to wetting the bed. However, sleep apnea isn’t the only thing that can contribute to this problem. A few other factors behind adult bedwetting include:
- Drinking water, caffeine, or alcohol before going to bed.
- Consuming lots of salt throughout the day.
- Infections of the bladder or urinary tract.
- Alcoholism.
- Certain medications.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Circulatory problems or swelling in the lower legs.
- Enlargement of the prostate.
The best way to determine how to treat your bedwetting problem is to be honest about it with your doctor so they can develop an effective treatment plan.
How Can I Treat My Bedwetting Problem?
While it’s important to see a sleep dentist if you think you might have sleep apnea, there are things you can do at home to help mitigate the issue. You might try reducing your consumption of liquids a few hours before bed, minding your salt intake throughout the day, and exercising regularly to help your body regulate itself more efficiently.
Many dentists specialize in treating sleep-related problems like sleep apnea. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you achieve a better and drier night’s sleep that will have you feeling energized in the morning.
About the Practice
Sleep Better Georgia provides for the sleep dentistry needs of the community of Dunwoody, GA. Led by sleep specialist Dr. Jeff Rodgers, the staff ensures that each patient receives compassionate and nonjudgmental care that helps them sleep more deeply and comfortably. Services offered include sleep apnea treatments like oral appliance therapy. For more information on how treating sleep apnea can address bedwetting, contact the office online or dial (770) 394-4310.