Tips for Minimizing Bedwetting for Seniors
by Gary Sattin on Sep 19, 2022
- A UTI
- Sleep apnea
- Side effects of medication
- Urinary production from the kidney
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Bladder or prostate cancer
- Prostate enlargement
If you deal with any of the above, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that you may experience bedwetting throughout the night. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to aide your bladder control. Here we give an overview of a few of them.
Exercise
Once adults retire, there’s a good chance that the amount of physical activity they experience is drastically reduced. In fact, only 28-34% of adults between the age of 65 and 74 are actually physically active. Any exercise—especially pelvic exercises—can help older adults increase the strength of their bladder.
Decrease Fluid Intake
You certainly want to properly hydrate yourself, however, you should slow down your fluid intake as the evening draws to a close. After dinner, try to stick to water only. Caffeine and alcohol will act as irritants and cause your bladder to expel liquid faster, so avoid those if possible.
Set Alarms
Set a couple alarms throughout the night to allow yourself the opportunity to get up and use the restroom. There are also alarms developed specifically to aid adults who suffer from bedwetting. These come equipped with an alarm that will wake you once it detects wetness, which allows you to get to the bathroom before fully relieving yourself.
Fit Your Bed with Waterproof Sheets
You can purchase reusable waterproof sheets to prevent unnecessary messes. The waterproof sheeting fabric is designed to absorb fluids and protect surfaces from any sort of damage. Depending on the kind you purchase, these sheets can be washed and reused for months.
If your bedwetting starts to get worse or intervenes with your quality of life, contact your doctor about your options. They may be able to prescribe medication that will increase your bladder’s capacity. Incontinence isn’t a comfortable thing to live with, and it’s difficult when it gets to a point where it affects your daily life. We hope our advice helps you navigate your condition with ease and you discover what works best for you. Finding a comfortable routine will ultimately help give you the restful night’s sleep you deserve.