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Although adult bed-wetting is rare, it does happen and quite often the reasons are often simple and easy to remedy. The medical term for urinary incontinence is enuresis'.

One of the most common reasons for bed wetting is a urinary tract infection. This can cause burning and itching which is sometimes briefly relieved by urinating. When you're asleep you may unknowingly relieve the symptoms and wake up in a wet bed.

Fatigue can cause enuresis. Many of us work too hard and try to fit family activities, exercise and hobbies into our schedules and neglect our body's need for rest. So, when we finally do get to sleep we may sleep so soundly that we fail to wake up to answer nature's call. Alcohol, cold medicine or prescription medications can also cause us to sleep too soundly to wake up in time as well. Diuretic medication and cause enuresis, so take it in the morning unless your doctor suggests otherwise. It's always a good idea to ask before changing the time you take any medication.

Drinking too much liquid late at night is another cause. Bladder's have a maximum capacity and if we drink a lot of liquid right before bed, we can put too much pressure on our bladder and lead to bed wetting. Stop drinking liquids at least two hours before bedtime, three to be on the safer side.. This doesn't mean you can drink a bit of water, just limit it to a few ounces.

Any illness, either from a common cold or the flu to more serious health problems, like diabetes, can lead to bed wetting. Sometimes our bodies can cope with only so much and bladder control may be way down on the list when we're ill.

Stress and anxiety is often another reason for enuresis. Going through a divorce, having a stressful job or the death of a loved one may overwhelm us and cause the loss of bladder control when we sleep.

Enuresis also often comes with advanced age. Like many of our muscles, those that control our bladder function start to weaken as well. For women a simple exercise known as the Kegel exercise can help. Pretend like you're trying to hold urine in and squeeze' while tensing your lower abdomen muscles. You can do this any time or place as it's not noticeable and should be done up to a hundred times a day. This may sound strange, but I sometimes to it to music! Whatever works.

Bed wetting is embarrassing and frustrating. Washing all those sheets is no fun either. I had a bed-wetting problem for a while after my hysterectomy. I purchased pads, much like sanitary pads, and wore them to bed until the situation resolved itself. It's not a cure, of course, but it made the situation more manageable.

If the problem happens often or continues for more than a week or so, seek medical attention as it can sometimes,

Learn more about this author, Pat Merewether.
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