Incontinence Advice
Managing incontinence at night: Treating night-time incontinence
Waking up to wet sheets can feel frustrating, embarrassing and exhausting. But you're not alone – many people of all ages quietly deal with night-time incontinence.
Bed-wetting in adults is not uncommon, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, it is often treatable and manageable. If you’re struggling with night-time incontinence, this article will walk you through some practical steps to manage it. From adjusting what you drink to using the right incontinence products, small changes can make a big difference to your sleep and confidence.
Key points
- Night time incontinence can affect anyone, regardless of age.
Adjusting fluid intake and reviewing medications may reduce symptoms.
Products like bed mats and incontinence pants offer discreet protection.
Support from a partner and healthcare professional can ease the emotional impact.
Night-time incontinence is often treatable with the right approach.
- The medical term for the condition is ‘nocturnal enuresis.’
Managing incontinence at night
How does incontinence affect someone at night?
Incontinence at night doesn’t just mean waking up to wet or soiled sheets – it can have a much bigger impact on your daily life. For many adults, especially those who haven’t experienced bladder issues before, it can feel confusing and isolating. It’s more common than many people realise, and it’s important to recognise that it is a medical condition; therefore, nothing to be ashamed of.
Emotional effects
Embarrassment is common, especially when sharing a bed or bedroom with someone else. This can lead to disrupted sleep, low mood and anxiety around bedtime. For some, it can lead to avoiding overnight stays or holidays altogether.
Impact on sleep and overall health
Changing clothes and bedding or using the toilet multiple times at night can leave you feeling exhausted the next day. Over time, poor sleep can affect your focus, energy and overall well-being.
A new experience for some, a long-term condition for others
Some people may develop night-time incontinence suddenly due to medical issues, while others have been managing it for years. Either way, it can feel like a step backwards, especially if it reminds you of childhood bed-wetting.
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How can you deal with night-time incontinence?
If you’re unsure where to start, a few simple changes may help ease your symptoms and give you a better night’s rest.
Adjust your fluid intake
What you drink – and when – can make a difference. Try to avoid foods and drinks that irritate the bladder, including caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and reduce how much you drink in the last hour or two before bed. However, staying hydrated is important, so the idea is to focus more on timing than quantity. Find out how many times a day you should wee and learn more about urine frequency throughout the day.
Consult a healthcare professional
Night-time incontinence might be a sign of a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder. Other causes can include type 2 diabetes or, in men, an enlarged prostate. A healthcare professional can help identify any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to the problem.
Before your appointment, consider noting down:
When accidents happen
How much you’re drinking (and when)
What you regularly drink (e.g., alcohol or caffeine)
Whether you have other symptoms such as pain, urgency or frequency
Recent changes to your medication
Some medications, such as diuretics (water tablets), sleeping pills or psychiatric drugs, can play a part in night-time incontinence. Mentioning your medication can lead to useful adjustments.
What aids can help with night-time incontinence?
Night-time incontinence doesn’t have to take over your life. While it can feel frustrating and unpredictable, many helpful products and techniques can make things more manageable. For many, small changes combined with the right support can improve both comfort and confidence.
To help with staying dry throughout the night and getting better sleep, there’s a range of discreet, comfortable products that can help, such as:
Incontinence pants and pads: Night-time incontinence pads are extra absorbent, locking in moisture for longer to reduce the chance of leaks. These are often thicker than daytime versions and shaped for sleeping positions.
Bed mats and mattress protectors: For extra reassurance, incontinence bed sheets can sit under your body while you sleep. Mattress protectors are also a smart investment as they create a waterproof barrier, keeping your mattress clean and dry.
Barrier creams and gentle skincare: Urine can irritate the skin, especially with prolonged contact during sleep. A skin barrier cream applied before bed helps protect your skin and reduce soreness.
Incontinence alarms
Incontinence alarms are small devices that attach to underwear, pads, or bedding. They sound or vibrate when they detect moisture, gently waking the sleeper so they can use the toilet.
Although often used for children, many adults find them helpful too – especially when used as part of bladder training.
Bladder training
Bladder training is a behavioural technique that can improve bladder control by going to the toilet on a set schedule then gradually increasing the time between trips to the toilet. The aim is to strengthen the bladder muscles, improving the ability of the bladder to hold larger volumes of urine for longer periods. Although this technique can only be practised in the day, as the bladder muscles are strengthened, night-time bladder control is also improved. Tracking your habits in a bladder diary can help spot patterns and monitor progress.
Distraction strategies to reduce the sense of urgency can be used in between toilet visits, such as:
Taking deep breaths or sitting still.
Distracting yourself with a different task.
Doing short, rapid pelvic floor squeezes when the urge hits.
By taking these steps, you can reduce symptoms, regain control and feel more comfortable.
Medication options
If lifestyle changes and product support do not sufficiently improve night-time incontinence, medication may be an appropriate next step.
Your healthcare professional might prescribe something like Oxybutynin, which works by relaxing the bladder muscles and helping the bladder hold more liquid.
Other medications may also be used depending on the cause—especially if your incontinence is linked to an overactive bladder or a hormonal issue.
Managing night-time incontinence while sharing a bed
Worrying about leaking while sharing a bed is a common concern. It’s completely understandable to feel nervous—but it’s worth having an honest conversation with your partner. Many people are more understanding than you might expect.
If you're the partner of someone managing nighttime incontinence, offering practical help and emotional support can ease the pressure. Reassure them, be patient, and encourage them to seek medical advice if they haven’t already done so.
Older adults and nighttime incontinence
Older adults often experience incontinence at night due to age-related changes in bladder function or other medical conditions.
Here are some steps that may help:
Limit drinks a few hours before bed (but don’t cut them out entirely).
Stick to bladder-friendly drinks like water or diluted squash.
Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol in the evening.
Use incontinence aids like bed mats and nighttime pads.
Set up a clear, easy route to the bathroom with night lighting.
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In conclusion, night-time incontinence can be upsetting; however, it might be helpful and reassuring to learn that it is something many people experience, it can be treatable and there are effective ways to manage it. Whether you’re dealing with incontinence at night yourself or supporting someone who is, help is available from the team at HARTMANN Direct.
Contact us today to explore our range of incontinence pads for adults and find the option that best meets your needs. We also recommend discussing your symptoms with your healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.
FAQs
Is night-time incontinence common in adults?
Yes. While often under-reported due to embarrassment, it’s more common than many realise – especially among older adults or those with certain health conditions. It affects both men and women and can vary in severity.
Should I set a night-time toilet alarm?
If your doctor recommends it or if you find it helps, setting a timed alarm to use the toilet once or twice during the night (a method called ‘timed voiding’) can help reduce accidents.
Can diet affect night-time incontinence?
Yes. Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder or increase urine output. Try limiting:
Caffeinated drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, Coca-Cola)
Alcohol
Citrus fruits and juices
Spicy foods
Artificial sweeteners
Summer, J.V. (2025) Sleep Deprivation: Symptoms, Treatment, & Effects. Sleep Foundation [online] Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation [accessed 28/05/2025]
Puckey, M., (2024) Oxybutynin. Drugs.com. [online] Available at: https://www.drugs.com/oxybutynin.html [accessed 09/05/2025]
Continence Matters (2017) Timed Voiding and Bladder Training. [online] Available at: https://continencematters.com/health-information/incontinence-and-prolapse/timed-voiding-and-bladder-training/ [accessed 28/05/2025]
