4 myths about bed-wetting – and tips for managing night-time incontinence
Night-time incontinence is often misunderstood by non-sufferers to be a simple problem to fix. However, despite what you may think, bed-wetting can be a challenging issue for individuals to manage.
Activities such as travelling, staying out overnight, going away on holiday, or even sharing a room with another individual can be a significant cause for concern.
Below, we’re debunking the top four myths about night-time incontinence, and how it can be managed effectively.
#1 – Bed-wetting only affects children
Roughly 15% of 5 years olds, 5% of 10 years olds, and 2% of 15 years olds suffer from night-time incontinence – that’s around half a million children and teenagers in the UK. However, while night-time incontinence does affect a higher percentage of young people, adults do also suffer from bed-wetting – approximately 1%.
As a result, families can be affected when a loved one of any age struggles with bed-wetting.
Tip: Regular bedwetters, young or old, can be put at ease with the introduction of some very simple yet very effective incontinence products.
Younger children can be clothed in pull up briefs for protection and comfort at night time. Disposable underwear can be useful for managing more infrequent or prolonged bed-wetting.
On the other hand, adult incontinence sufferers may be more comfortable with specially designed bedding, such as reusable mattress covers and washable duvet sets which can manage frequent, minimal leaks.
#2 – Night-time incontinence can be avoided with a better diet
Bed-wetting, by current standards, certainly cannot be fixed with a change in diet.
While many believe that avoiding fruits such as tomatoes and oranges, and any kind of spice, can be helpful, there is no solid proof that avoiding certain foods will treat night time incontinence.
Tip: Bed-wetting can, however, be improved by reducing the intake of ‘activating’ substances such as caffeine and alcohol. If you feel you are consuming large units of these, you might want to reduce their consumption and note your bed-wetting patterns, and manage accordingly.
Though there is also ongoing research that bed-wetting may be linked to intolerances to certain foods and drinks, the research for this is not yet solid enough to prove this.
#3 – Night-time incontinence can be avoided with exercise
There’s a common myth that bed-wetting can simply be improved with regular exercise. This is based on the idea that incontinence is a purely muscular dysfunction, and that it is just a case of training that muscle until it is strong enough.
Some types of incontinence can undoubtedly be improved with exercise, such as post-natal incontinence. However, many types of incontinence which can become problematic at night time are caused by pathological and psychological factors.
For example, physical and cognitive impairments such as head injury or Alzheimer’s disease can lead to functional incontinence, which in turn can occur during rest or sleep.
Tip: Sufferers of night-time incontinence can often be totally unaware that they are wetting the bed.
As such, they need to feel as comfortable as possible at night time, to reduce the anxiety surrounding it.
Bed-wetting alarms can be effective at predicting potential bed-wetting, while disposable bed mats can be utilised to pre-empt smaller leaks or accidents.
#4 – Nocturnal Enuresis only occurs during the night
Despite the name, night time incontinence isn’t a condition which solely affects sufferers at night. Nocturnal Enuresis can arise when someone is sleeping at any time of the day or night.
As a result, long journeys can often be a problem for incontinence sufferers who often fall asleep when they travel.
Tip: Travelling with incontinence doesn’t need to cause undue anxiety or stress.
Both reusable and disposable products can aid your travel plans. For long journeys where toilet stops are not guaranteed, disposable briefs might make you feel less conscious about getting to the toilet.
For overnight stays, most protective bedding can be packed easily, even on trips where you’re travelling light.
Further help
Night-time incontinence needn’t be a difficult condition to manage. Simple lifestyle changes and the introduction of specialised incontinence products into your routine can help to mitigate the difficulties associated with bed-wetting.
And with our help, you can find the best incontinence products to address all of your needs effectively.
At Incontinence Shop, we’ve got the best range of incontinence products available on the market right now, to bring incontinence confidence to you and your family.
Resources;
https://www.brollysheets.co.uk/blogs/night-time-training/bed-wetting-statistics-how-common-is-it
