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Bedwetting in adults

Unintentional urination during sleep in adulthood is called nocturnal enuresis. Investigation is needed, especially when it starts for the first time, because several treatable causes are possible.

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Bedwetting in an adult is unintentional urine leakage during sleep. It is nothing to be ashamed of, but new or recurring bedwetting needs assessment because there are several treatable causes.

  • Keep a bladder, drinking and sleep diary for a few days, also recording medicines, bowel movements and daytime symptoms.
  • Possible causes range from excessive night-time urine production and an overactive bladder to infection, constipation, sleep apnoea, diabetes and prostate or nerve problems.
  • Treatment targets the type of leakage and its cause; drinking less without a plan is not automatically safe or effective.
  • Seek help the same day for fever and side pain, inability to pass urine, blood in the urine, new loss of nerve function or severe thirst with feeling ill.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
B
Bedwetting in childrenBedwetting is common in children, especially under 5, and is not their fault. Most children grow out of it, but support, routines and treatment when needed can help.
O
Overactive bladderAn overactive bladder causes sudden strong urgency, frequent urination and sometimes urine leakage, without an infection or another clear cause fully explaining this. Bladder training and pelvic floor support are often the first treatment.
U
Urinary incontinence in womenInvoluntary urine leakage in women is common and usually treatable. Leakage with coughing or sport is called stress incontinence; sudden strong urgency suggests urge incontinence. Blood, fever, pain or inability to urinate needs assessment.