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Nighttime vs. Adult Daytime Incontinence

Same Problem, Different Causes

By Lisa A. Goldstein

People with daytime incontinence often respond quite well to behavioral therapy, says Dr. Denise Elser, director of urogynecology at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. Changing the diet to eliminate certain foods that irritate the bladder, like caffeine and citrus, as well as learning to suppress to the urge to urinate, are often successful treatments of incontinence, she says.

For treatment of nighttime incontinence, Dr. Lutz suggests keeping fluids to a minimum after dinner. If sleep pattern could be the problem, he says a medication to help induce sleep might help.

A large component of both daytime and nighttime incontinence is situational, according to Dr. Elser. "Some people lack mobility and are unable to get to the bathroom in time," Dr. Lutz says. In that instance he recommends going to the bathroom at specific times or keeping a portable toilet by the bed.

But no matter when it occurs – during daylight or dark – any change from a normal urinary routine should be checked out by a medical professional, says April Borg, a registered nurse and certified biofeedback therapist. "Never assume urine loss is a 'natural' part of aging," she says.

Many people fail to talk with their doctor out of embarrassment or because they think nothing can be done about it, says Wyman. "This is a problem with significant quality-of-life implications, and the majority of patients can greatly be helped by simple means," says Wyman.

If you are talking with your doctor and you're not satisfied with the results, she recommends seeing a specialist.