When you’re a kid, wetting the bed can be embarrassing, but generally not cause for alarm. As an adult, however, while accidents still can happen, when they happen frequently, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Here’s why if you’ve been wetting the bed as an adult, you may want to be evaluated for sleep apnea and how treating it could help keep you drier at night.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop and restart breathing repeatedly throughout the night as you try to sleep. Known as apneas, these episodes decrease your blood oxygen levels and raise your risk of many dangerous medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How are Sleep Apnea and Bedwetting Connected?
When you wake frequently due to sleep apnea, it causes a decrease in the production of antidiuretic hormones (ADH) that regulate your urine output. If you are deficient in ADH, your body will produce more urine than usual, which will in turn cause your bladder to overflow.
Furthermore, sleep apnea can also cause a condition called nocturia (frequent nighttime urination) when frequent waking activates your body’s urge to urinate.
How to Stop Bedwetting
In addition to lowering your risk of the dangerous conditions mentioned above, treating sleep apnea can also help stop bedwetting. Although each patient’s treatment looks different, many patients have incredible success with a sleep appliance that helps to prop their airway open so they can breathe properly while they sleep. These devices are custom fit by a sleep dentist, so they fit comfortably in your mouth and allow you to get the rest you need without awkward, uncomfortable machinery.
Remember, if you suffer from bedwetting as an adult, it could be the sign of a sleep disorder. Speak to your sleep dentist today about sleep testing and drier nights could be on the way.
About Our Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions, our trio of sleep doctors want to help you get a drier, more restful night’s sleep. If you suffer from bedwetting, trouble breathing, or frequent waking, you could be an excellent candidate for sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call us at 301-460-3331.