Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term that is used to describe a condition in which a person urinates in their sleep. This of course only refers to people who are past a certain age – children or adults who would normally be expected to have control over their bladders. In some cases, a person may learn bladder control as a child, but may develop nocturnal enuresis in adulthood, while in other cases, the problem may begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. In the latter case, treatment is usually ineffective – if enuresis has persisted till the end of adolescence, there is a high chance that it will be a lifelong problem. This type of nocturnal enuresis is known as primary nocturnal enuresis or PNE. If a person develops enuresis in adulthood, after having previously learnt bladder control, it is known as secondary nocturnal enuresis or SNE.
It is usually easier to investigate and treat secondary nocturnal enuresis. This type of enuresis is usually a symptom of some underlying condition. Certain diseases are known to cause secondary nocturnal enuresis in adults, of which urinary tract infections are probably the most common. Psychological problems that have developed as a result of some severe trauma can also lead to secondary nocturnal enuresis. Another health problem that may cause enuresis is, chronic constipation – bloating of the intestines can put considerable pressure on the urinary bladder, making it difficult to control urination. In some cases, a physical abnormality, such as an unusually small bladder, may also make it difficult to retain urine for long periods of time. Sometimes there may also be a problem with the production of the hormone vasopressin, sometimes simply known as the anti diuretic hormone or ADH. Production of this hormone is cyclical, increasing towards night time so as to reduce urine production in the kidneys.
To successfully treat adult enuresis, it is very important to identify the underlying cause and treat it. This is quite difficult without professional help, which is why it is always advisable to consult a doctor for this problem. Self care options are rather limited, and consist mainly of avoiding aggravating factors. You should avoid consumption of substances such as caffeine and alcohol, because both are diuretics. A healthy diet with plenty of fiber may also help, as it will induce regular, healthy bowel movements. Some people also recommend a fixed schedule for waking up at night to urinate, preferably with the help of a family member or else with alarms. However, such measures are not of much use unless combined with other therapies.