Nocturia V Nocturnal Enuresis: What's the Difference?

Both of these can be concerning to deal with and affect our quality of sleep, but conditions like nocturia and nocturnal enuresis are more common than we might think. These bladder issues interrupt sleep, and impact our relationships and intimacy. Whether it's the need to frequently get up during the night to pee, or the distress of leaking pee in the bed, these issues can take a significant toll on our quality of life and can cause feelings of embarrassment and shame. 

There is sometimes confusion about these conditions and how they differ for those experiencing bladder problems at night, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand both Nocturia and Nocturnal Enuresis, and what to look out for.

What is Nocturia and Nocturnal Enuresis?

Nocturia is a condition where people wake one or more times during the night to pee. It’s normal to get up for the loo in the night occasionally, but for those with nocturia, waking to pee occurs more frequently and disrupts sleep. Nocturia is very common, with 70% of adults over the age of 70 and 30% of adults under the age of 30 getting up once or more at night to pee. Interestingly, women experience nocturia more under the age of 50, whereas more men tend to suffer with nocturia after the age of 50. Nocturia is a common symptom of menopause due to declining hormone levels. 

Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for bedwetting, and the unintentional passing of urine whilst you are asleep. While nocturnal enuresis is more common in children, around 1% of adults suffer with nocturnal enuresis in the UK, but that figure may be higher as it’s often a condition that makes those suffering from it feel embarrassed and ashamed to seek help. 

Note: Nocturnal enuresis differs from primary enuresis as it develops after a person has learnt to use the toilet properly, including at night. Primary enuresis is the term that is used for someone who has wet the bed since being a baby.

What causes these conditions?

There are some commonalities between Nocturia and Nocturnal Enuresis, although various factors that contribute are unrelated too. Age and a decline in antidiuretic hormone (ADH), that reduces urine production during the night, can contribute to both of these conditions. Overactive Bladder (OAB) is another contributory factor and if you suffer with OAB, you may have noticed an increase in waking for the loo in the night. Consuming large amounts of fluid, especially those that trigger the bladder can also be a factor to consider when considering ways to manage these issues. 

However, there are some differences too. There is a genetic link with nocturnal enuresis - if you have a family history of bedwetting, especially in adults you may be more at risk of it occurring. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea can increase the risk too and other medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease can increase your risk of nocturia. 

In both conditions, managing chronic stress is important as high levels of stress can exacerbate both conditions and create a cycle of worry and disrupted sleep. 

Is there a link between the two?

While nocturia and enuresis are two different conditions, they can be interlinked in some cases. Both involve disruptions to the bladder's normal function during sleep, and both can be exacerbated by similar factors such as bladder overactivity, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions as mentioned above.

Of course, there is a connection too in the behaviour of both of the conditions and the impact on the bladder. If you are frequently feeling the need to pee in the night, you might be at higher risk of nocturnal enuresis if you aren’t able to get up in time, and this is a really common side effect, especially for older people. 

Equally, if you are struggling with nocturnal enuresis, it makes sense that you could develop nocturia as a result of the heightened awareness and anxiety around bladder control, causing them to wake up multiple times to check if they need to urinate, even if they do not.

How are these conditions treated?

There are a few ways both of these conditions can be treated, and in the first instance it’s important to discuss any concerns or symptoms you are experiencing with your GP. 

Consider lifestyle changes 

Adopting certain lifestyle changes is crucial. Limiting fluid intake before bed (especially irritants like caffeine and alcohol), and emptying your bladder fully using the ‘Elbows on Knees’ position can reduce the need to pee during the night. Doing your pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder control, and improving your ‘sleep hygiene’ with a regular sleep schedule and a restful, peaceful start to your sleep can help you to nod off. 

Try Supplementation 

If lifestyle changes don’t work on their own, you can try a supplement for the bladder, such as Jude’s Bladder Control Supplement. Through a powerful botanical combination of pumpkin seed and soy germ extract, this supplement helps to support bladder control and pelvic floor strength, and has been shown to reduce night time wees by up to 70% in a clinical study.

Medical and Surgical Treatments

Your GP will also be able to discuss medical treatments, such as anticholinergic medication, that is suitable for these conditions, or to treat underlying issues. There are also surgical options for severe cases to help address the specific incontinence that you are experiencing.

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.