Jun 29, 2026
Nighttime incontinence. Not exactly a topic men would normally want to talk about, and waking up to wet sheets or clothes? It could leave anyone feeling unsettled.
Nobody expects this to happen, so it could feel frustrating when it does. We do want you to know that it’s pretty common, and it’s manageable.1
In this guide, we look at why nighttime incontinence happens in men, how common it is, and simple ways to have restful night again.
Understanding Nocturia and Nocturnal Enuresis in Men
Nocturia and nocturnal enuresis are two types of nighttime bladder conditions.2 Some men may experience both, and they may even have similar causes.2,3 Here’s some context:
Nocturia happens when you wake up two or more times in the night to pee and is more common as you age.4
Nocturnal enuresis, or nighttime incontinence, refers to leaks that happen while you’re sleeping.1,5
While waking up once during the night may not feel like much, waking two or more times could affect your sleep, health, and energy.4
Just remember, you don’t have to accept it as a natural part of aging. There are ways to manage these conditions.6
How Common Is Nighttime Incontinence in Men?
Around one in three men over 30 wakes up at least twice a night to pee, with nocturia numbers rising especially after 60 years.2,7
Nighttime urinary incontinence may be less common, but it still happens to around 0.5 to 2.3 percent of adults.4
Even these numbers may be lower than reality. Many men choose not to mention nighttime bladder leaks or nocturia during doctor’s visits. 6
What Causes Nighttime Incontinence and Nocturia in Men?
Nocturia and night incontinence happen for different reasons, some of them are:
Prostate Conditions
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where your prostate slowly gets bigger with age.8 As it grows, it may change how you pee.8
It is one of the most common causes of nocturia in men over 50 and could also lead to a feeling that your bladder is not fully empty after peeing.7,8
BPH, prostate cancer, and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) may all cause similar urinary symptoms, so it is not always easy to tell them apart.8,9
Speaking to a doctor could help you make sense of any changes with your prostate health.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
OAB shows up with a sudden, strong urge to pee that may feel hard to control.10
At night, you might notice waking up before any leaks happen (nocturia), or after they happen (nighttime urinary incontinence).2
Nocturnal Polyuria
Nocturnal polyuria is a common but often overlooked cause of nocturia.11
Normally, your body produces less urine at night due to a hormone called vasopressin.12 It helps your body reduce the need to wake up to pee when you're sleeping.12
In some men, this process does not work as well, which means the body makes more urine at night than it should.12 As a result, they may wake up more often to pee.12
Sleep Disorders
Nocturia is common in men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where your breathing stops and starts when you sleep.13
During these episodes, the body releases a chemical called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).13 It causes your body to make more urine, leading to more bathroom breaks at night.13
It could be helpful to see your doctor if you find it hard to stay asleep; you might get relief after treatment.2
Bladder Dysfunction
Some bladder issues, like reduced bladder capacity, bladder infections (UTIs), and interstitial cystitis (AKA bladder pain syndrome), could come with nighttime urgency and leaks.14
Lifestyle and Fluid Factors
Sometimes, everyday habits may cause multiple bathroom breaks at night.14
These may include:14
- Drinking a lot of fluids in the evening before bed
- Taking certain medications, especially diuretics
- Drinking alcohol or caffeine later in the day
Neurological Causes
Conditions that affect your nervous system could change how your bladder communicates with your brain, causing frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom.15
Some of these may include:15
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, a doctor could help make sense of what’s going on and guide you on what to do next.
Practical Management Strategies for Nighttime Incontinence
Finding the right way to manage night leaks often depends on what’s causing them.1 That’s why speaking with a doctor could be helpful.
At the same time, there are simple steps that could help while you’re working things out with your doctor.
Use Protective Underwear and Absorbent Products
Wearing protective underwear at night is a practical way to feel confident while you sleep.
It doesn’t mean you're surrendering; instead, you’re protecting your sleep.
Some protective underwear you could try include:
Men's Incontinence Underwear
Men’s incontinence underwear feels like your regular briefs, with a close and comfortable and discreet fit. It has higher absorbency for moderate to heavy bladder leaks.
Incontinence Guards and Shields
Men’s incontinence guards and shields are shaped absorbent pads you wear in your underwear. They’re best for light to moderate bladder leaks in men and are less bulky than briefs.
Adult Briefs
Adult briefs have the highest absorbency and coverage. They’re a good option for heavier or unpredictable leaks at night, with a secure and comfortable fit.
Choosing the Right Product
It could feel confusing with so many options on the shelf. The right product often depends on:
- How much leakage you usually have
- How comfortable it feels to sleep in
- How easy it is to remove if you need to get up during the night.
Find your fit with our product finder for a restful night. a restful night.
Protect Your Bedding
Adding an extra layer of protection, like absorbent bed pads or waterproof mattress protectors, could help reduce the stress and disruption that come with nighttime leaks.
They are discreet, washable, and easy to find products that help you rest more comfortably and feel more at ease at night.
Manage Fluid Intake Before Bed
It might seem helpful to reduce how much you drink during the day. But without your doctor’s help, reducing fluids could leave you dehydrated.16
Dehydration may make your pee more concentrated, which could irritate the bladder and sometimes worsen urgency.16
Instead, it could be helpful to check in with your doctor about your intake.17 Also, you could try reducing how much you drink 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.17
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol in the Evening
Caffeinated or alcoholic drinks have a diuretic effect, which means they can make you pee more or notice nighttime leaks.18,19,20
That’s why cutting down on drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks, or alcohol before bed could help when managing nocturia and nighttime bladder leaks in men.19,20
Did you know your weight, diet, and alcohol all play a role in bladder leaks? Our guide on how weight, diet, and alcohol affects incontinence goes into more detail.
Set Up a Bedwetting Alarm System
It’s an adult bedwetting solution that helps detects urine while you sleep and wakes you up at the first sign of leaks.21
Bedwetting alarms are an effective way to help retrain your bladder.21 They help you get used to waking up when your bladder feels full over several weeks, when you use them consistently.21
Before using a bedwetting alarm, speak with a doctor or nurse about whether this solution would work for you.
Practice Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles help hold and support your bladder and urethra.22
When these muscles weaken, pelvic floor exercises, AKA Kegels, may help strengthen them and support better bladder control.23
The first step is finding the right muscles to squeeze.23 It might feel tricky at first, but you could try imagining that you are holding in a fart to learn what the movement feels like.23
Once you know which muscles to use, you could try three sets of eight to 12 slow pelvic contractions, each lasting 6 to 8 seconds.14
Showing up consistently with pelvic floor exercises three to four times a week could go a long way in supporting your bladder and pelvic health.14
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Having a consistent bedtime routine could help both your sleep and bladder health.14 One habit you could try is double voiding before bed.24
Double voiding helps empty the bladder more fully before you sleep, which could help you get a more restful night.24 It involves peeing before bed, waiting 20 to 30 seconds, then trying again.24
Other sleep habits that could help include going to bed at the same time each night and creating a sleep-friendly environment with:14
- a comfortable temperature
- warm bedding
- less noise and light
Stop Smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, which may make your pee more acidic and could irritate the bladder lining, leading to more urgency and bathroom breaks at night.25
It might feel hard to quit, but with your doctor’s help, it’s possible, and could help your bladder health in the long run.25
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight, especially around your waist, could add pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor.25,26 Natural remedies for incontinence, like losing a bit of weight, could help reduce bladder leaks, urgency, and nocturia in men.25,26
Speak to a Healthcare Professional
Nocturia and nighttime incontinence could have several causes, but because of how these conditions may make anyone feel, many men delay visiting their doctor.
You don’t have to; there are different specialists who could help you depending on what’s causing your symptoms. For example, a urologist for prostate and urinary issues or a sleep specialist for sleep disorders. It all starts with a visit to your doctor.
FAQ
How Do You Deal with Male Incontinence at Night?
You could start today with simple steps like:
- Wearing protective underwear
- Managing fluids and caffeine in the evening 19,20
- Pelvic floor exercises22
- Trying double voiding before bed24
- Speaking with a healthcare professional to understand what could be triggering it
Why Is My Husband Peeing Himself at Night?
Male incontinence at night is more common than you realise.1 It may be happening to your loved one for several reasons, such as:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia8
- Overactive bladder10
- Nocturnal polyuria12
- Obstructive sleep apnea13
It could be helpful to gently encourage your loved one to speak with a doctor. With the right support, these conditions are often manageable.
Is It Normal for Adult Men to Wet the Bed Sometimes?
After heavy drinking, you might notice night leaks.20 But when it becomes recurring, it could be a good idea to see your doctor so you could better understand what’s behind it.27 It’s not simply a normal part of aging.6
What Causes Frequent Urination at Night in Men?
You might wake up multiple times at night because of reasons like:
- Nocturnal polyuria: Your body makes too much urine at night.12
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia: An enlarged prostate could affect how your bladder works.8
- Overactive bladder: You may feel a sudden urge to pee more often.10
- Sleep apnea: Sleep disruptions could lead to more bathroom trips at night.13
- Certain medications: Some medications could make you pee more.7
- High caffeine or alcohol intake: These drinks could increase bathroom breaks at night.18,19
- Conditions like diabetes or heart failure7
Seeing your doctor could be the first step toward a more restful night’s sleep.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis): Diagnosis, Tests, Management and Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15075-bedwetting
2. Chang TL, Kuo HC. Nocturia, nocturnal polyuria, and nocturnal enuresis in adults: What we know and what we do not know. Tzu Chi Medical Journal. 2024 May 27;36(4).
3. Gong S, Khosla L, Gong F, Kasarla N, Everaert K, Weiss J, et al. Transition from Childhood Nocturnal Enuresis to Adult Nocturia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Research and Reports in Urology. 2021 Nov;Volume 13:823–32.
4. Song Q, Wang L, Cheng X, Hao Y, Li Y, Abrams P. The clinical features and predictive factors of nocturnal enuresis in adult men. BJU International. 2020 Jul 24;126(4):472–80.
5. Kovacic J, Dhar A, Shepherd A, Chung A. A rude awakening: management of nocturia in men. Trends in Urology & Men’s Health. 2022 Nov;13(6):24–8.
6. Prince D, Pedler K, Rashid P. Nocturia [Internet]. Australian Family Physician. 2012. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/june/nocturia-a-guide-to-assessment-and-management
7. Cleveland Clinic. Nocturia [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14510-nocturia
8. Cleveland Clinic. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9100-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
9. Watson S. Prostatitis or BPH: Which Is It? [Internet]. Healthline. 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/enlarged-prostate/prostatitis-and-bph
10. Cleveland Clinic. Overactive Bladder (OAB): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14248-overactive-bladder
11. Weiss JP, van Kerrebroeck PEV, Klein BM, Nørgaard JP. Excessive Nocturnal Urine Production is a Major Contributing Factor to the Etiology of Nocturia. Journal of Urology. 2011 Oct;186(4):1358–63.
12. Nocturnal Polyuria (Passing Too Much Urine at Night) [Internet]. Available from: https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Nocturnal%20polyuria.pdf
13. Meara Withe. The link between sleep apnea and overactive bladder [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2023 [cited 2026 May 8]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-apnea-and-overactive-bladder#the-link
14. 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/
15. Cleveland Clinic. Neurogenic Bladder: Symptoms, Causes, Tests and Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15133-neurogenic-bladder
16. Nocturia-Going to the Toilet at Night [Internet]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/nocturia-going-to-the-toilet-at-night_0.pdf
17. Hou XY, Zhang L, Zhang ZJ, Xu W, Ye LW, Zhao HY, et al. Nocturia: An overview of current evaluation and treatment strategies. World Journal of Methodology [Internet]. 2025 Dec 20;15(4). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12400380/
18 Johnson J. Overview of dehydration: What to know, drink types, and tips [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2023. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dehydrating-drinks#Caffeinated-drinks
19. Robinson K. Frequent Urination: Causes and Treatments [Internet]. GoodRx. 2025 [cited 2026 May 10]. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/overactive-bladder/10-causes-of-frequent-urination?srsltid=AfmBOoroSSmCPybGwpqURwoqgySWfZOVTI98q3VM8tpxtIFmEePdve2A
20. Cleveland Clinic. Do You Wet the Bed After a Night of Drinking? Here’s Why [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/adults-booze-bedwetting-heres-happens
21. Jenkins S. Tips to stop bedwetting at night for kids and adults. [Internet]. National Association for Continence. Available from: https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/10-tips-to-control-bedwetting-in-children-and-adults/
22. Cleveland Clinic. Pelvic Floor Muscles: Anatomy, Function & Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22729-pelvic-floor-muscles
23. Cleveland Clinic. Kegel Exercises: How to & Benefits [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14611-kegel-exercises
24. Nall R. Double voiding: Definition, additional techniques, and importance [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2017. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316706
25. Bourcier A, Naccache G, Mamy L, Havel D. Overactive Bladder: Causes, Investigations and Management. Acta Scientific Women’s Health [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026 May 12];7(1):29–36. Available from: https://www.pelvi-perineologie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ASWH.OVERACTIVE-BLADDER-1.pdf
26. Whelan C. Is There a Link Between Obesity and Overactive Bladder? [Internet]. Healthline. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/obesity-and-overactive-bladder#does-obesity-cause-oab
27. Holland K. Adult Bed Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis): Treatment and Causes [Internet]. Healthline. 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/adult-bed-wetting
