Jul 21, 2026
There are two types of nighttime incontinence. Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which staying dry at night can be expected.1
This should not be confused with nocturia, which describes frequent urination – in other words, the need wake up one or more times at night to void.2
This article looks at the causes of adult bedwetting as well as nocturia to help you better understand the differences between these conditions.
Why Do Adults Wet the Bed: Adult Bedwetting & Nocturia
Frequent urination at night (nocturia), as well as adult bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), usually have different causes than similar problems in children.1 Among adults, bedwetting may show up because of medical, bodily, or lifestyle factors.1
For frequent urination, it may mean that your body is making more urine due to changes in certain hormone production, kidney problems, illness, or as a reaction to medications.2
While wetting the bed as an adult could feel embarrassing, even isolating, it's worth knowing that nocturnal enuresis is a recognized medical condition, not any kind of failure.
Many adults deal with it quietly, assuming it's something to be ashamed of or simply put up with. It isn't. There are real and practical ways to manage it with your doctor’s help.
How Common is Bedwetting?
Adult bedwetting is more common than you may realize. Among adults, it affects between 2% and 6% of people at some point; and that number rises to over 50% in adults over 65.3
Even so, it isn't simply a part of getting older.1 If you're waking up to wet sheets, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor.1
What Causes Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis) and Nocturia in Adults?
As we grow older, our bodies change.4 One of these changes is an increased need to go to the bathroom to urinate.4
So, if you are at a stage in life where you find yourself going to the bathroom a couple of times during the night, it’s okay.
There are several different causes for this, let’s look at some.
Antidiuretic hormone production
This shift is one of the main reasons nighttime bathroom trips become more frequent as we get older.2,5
As we age, the body produces less antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Healthy levels of this hormone signal your kidneys to slow down how much pee it makes at night.5
When ADH levels drop, your kidneys can't concentrate your pee, as your body makes more at night, even though your total urine output over a 24-hour period may stay roughly the same.2,5
Polyuria (Excessive Peeing)
Nocturia and adult bedwetting could also happen when the body makes too much pee.2
Polyuria causes you to pee excessively.7 It happens when your body makes large amounts of pee regardless of the time of the day.7
A healthy adult produces an average of 1-2 liters (33.81 to 67.63 US fluid ounces) of urine per 24 hours, depending on how much liquid you drink and eat.2 With polyuria, this amount is increased to 2.8 liters (94,6793 US fuid ounces) or more.2
Polyuria could be, for example, is a symptom of diabetes, however there are other possible causes of this condition.7
You should always contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure and in need of advice.
Prostate problems
The prostate gland often enlarges as men grow older.2 Because this gland surrounds the urethra, an enlarged prostate could put pressure on the urethra.8
This prevents the bladder from emptying properly, leading to less bladder control at night.2,8
Explore Expert Advice on The Prostate and Incontinence:
- The Prostate and Male Urinary Leakage
- Understanding Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
- Causes of Nighttime Male Incontinence
- Understanding the Causes of Male Incontinence
Bladder problems
Bladder problems such as urge incontinence where the person feels a sudden need to pass urine may cause nocturnal enuresis (nighttime bedwetting).9
While an overactive bladder at night could cause both nocturia, and nocturnal enuresis.2,9
Explore expert advice on the types of incontinence:
- Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Adults
- What is Stress Incontinence?
- Essential Tips for Overactive Bladder Care
- What triggers urge incontinence
Heart problems
When you have a heart condition, you might not have enough blood pumping through your body.10 One sign you might notice is swelling around your lower legs.10
When you have a heart condition, raising your feet at night could cause swelling.10 Because your body has to remove this excess fluid, you might notice more bathroom breaks at night.10
Diabetes
Having a high blood sugar may increase your thirst.11 It causes you to drink more water than usual, leading to frequent bathroom trips.11
It happens because when your blood sugar levels are too high, your kidneys might not be able to absorb all the excess sugar; so it spills into your pee.11 This sugar draws more water into your pee, increasing its volume and creating a more frequent need to pee.11
Need practical steps on how to manage bladder leaks as a diabetic? Our article how diabetes affects bladder function goes in-depth on this topic.
Other causes of bedwetting and nocturia in adults
Lifestyle-related behavior may affect how much you pee. For example, drinking large amounts of liquid, as well as caffeine and alcohol after dinner can also lead to a need to pee at night.2
Prevention Strategies for Adult Bedwetting and Nocturia
Making a few simple changes to your daily routine may help reduce nighttime bathroom breaks, helping you get the restful night you deserve.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol before bed. Coffee, tea, and alcohol may irritate your bladder, increasing your bathroom breaks.2 Try to avoid these in the hours leading up to bedtime.12
- Time your fluids. Try limiting how much you drink a few hours before bed.12 It could help to spread your fluid intake earlier in the day and may reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom.12
- Empty your bladder before sleeping. Making a bathroom trip part of your bedtime routine may your bladder the best chance of lasting through the night.2
- Try bladder training. Bladder training involves gradually extending the time between your bathroom visits during the day.10 Over time, it may help increase how much your bladder can hold and reduce the urgency to go at night.10
- Raise your legs during the day. If you have swollen ankles or legs, sitting or lying with your legs elevated during the day may help your body absorb that excess fluid before you sleep.10 It might also help to wear compression stockings.10
- Work on your sleep hygiene. A consistent bedtime routine, a dark and quiet room, and going to bed at the same time each night may improve your sleep quality, and reduce the chance of waking up during the night to pee.13
- Review your medication. Some medications may increase how much urine your body makes.1 If you notice changes after a new medication, speak to your doctor before stopping or changing.
Seeing Your Doctor for Nocturia or Bedwetting
t may be hard to bring up with your doctor, but being open about nocturia or bedwetting could help them identify any underlying issues and help you manage the condition.
It may be worth reaching out to your doctor if you notice:
- Blood in your pee14
- Pain or burning when you pee14
- Sudden bedwetting1
- Worsening symptoms
- It's affecting your sleep, mood, and quality of life
Remember that both bedwetting and frequent peeing at night are common, and there is no reason for you to just carry on, carrying the burden alone. These conditions are manageable, and there are things you can do at home, together with medical help to help you.
If you feel like you do need a bit of extra help, explore TENA’s range of incontinence products to help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night. The Product Finder Quiz is designed to help you find your perfect fit.
FAQs
When to Worry about Adult Bed Wetting?
It may be a good idea to see your doctor if you notice they are frequent, comes with pain or urinary changes.14,15
What is the 21 Second Pee Rule?
The “21 second pee rule” is the idea that peeing should last that long, but it’s not a medical standard.
How to Fix Urination at Night (Nocturia)?
You could try reducing your evening fluid intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol, bladder training, and seeing your doctor for underlying medical conditions.1,10,12
What Neurological Conditions cause Bedwetting in Adults?
Some neurological causes of bedwetting include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord disorders could affect your bladder control and cause bedwetting.15
How Many Times Should a 70-year-old Pee at Night?
Waking up once or twice a night to use the bathroom becomes more common as you get older.3
But if it's happening multiple times a night and it's persistent, it may be worth speaking to a doctor, especially if it's affecting your sleep or day-to-day life.
Does Nocturia Ever Go Away?
Yes, it may get better. A combination of your doctors helps with underlying causes, and lifestyle could help you get a restful night again.16
References
1. Sissons B. What to know about bedwetting [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2023 [cited 2026 Jun 6]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bedwetting#symptoms
2. Leslie SW, D’Andrea V, Sajjad H, Singh S. Nocturia [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518987/
3. How Do You Treat Nocturnal Enuresis in the Adult Patient in Your Practice? Medical Acupuncture. 2022 Dec 1;34(6):410–2.
4. Mayo Clinic. Aging: What to expect [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070
5. Sands JM. Urine Concentrating and Diluting Ability During Aging. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences [Internet]. 2012 Dec 1;67(12):1352–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670161/
6. Mun JH, Kim SO, Yu HS, Chung HS, Kwon D. Effects of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturnal polyuria in elderly women: impact on related sleep quality [Internet]. Nih.gov. 2024 [cited 2026 Jun 7]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4639425/
7. Seladi-Schulman J. 3 P’s of Diabetes: Polydipsia, Polyuria, Polyphagia, and More [Internet]. Healthline. 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/3-ps-of-diabetes#polyuria
8. McMillen M. Your Prostate Over 40 [Internet]. WebMD. 2022. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-over-40
9.WebMD Editorial Contributors. An Overview of Urge Incontinence [Internet]. WebMD. 2026. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/urge
10. WebMD Editorial Contributors. Why Do I Pee So Much at Night? [Internet]. WebMD. 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/nocturia-pee-night
11. Fowler P, Painter, K. Polyuria (Excessive Urine Production) [Internet]. WebMD. 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/polyuria-too-much-urine
12. Mayo Clinic. Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/in-depth/bladder-control-problem/art-20046597
13. Seladi-Schulman J. What Are the Best Sleeping Positions If You Have an Overactive Bladder? [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2022 [cited 2026 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/best-sleeping-position-for-overactive-bladder#how-to-avoid-peeing-at-night
14. Mayo Clinic Staff. Painful urination (dysuria) When to see a doctor [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/painful-urination/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050772
15. Holland K. Adult Bed Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis): Treatment and Causes [Internet]. Healthline. 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/adult-bed-wetting#outlook
16. Johnson J. How to treat an overactive bladder at night [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2023. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316869
