Advice & Support
for
Living with Incontinence

How Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders Can Impact Incontinence

Published by Suchita Brahme
How Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders Can Impact Incontinence

Sleep apnea is a condition most people associate with loud snoring and restless nights. But did you know it can also influence bladder control? Yes, there’s a connection between sleep disorders and incontinence, and it’s more common than you might think. Understanding how these issues overlap is the first step in managing them effectively.

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

It is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute, often causing disrupted sleep and leaving you feeling drained during the day.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This happens when your throat muscles relax and block your airway.

  2. Central Sleep Apnea: A less common type, where your brain doesn’t signal your muscles to breathe properly.

While this might not seem connected to bladder health at first glance, it plays a surprisingly big role in how our bodies manage fluids during the night.

How does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Bladder?

You might be wondering; how can a sleep disorder affects bladder control? It all comes down to the way sleep apnea interferes with your body’s normal processes. 

  1. Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)

    One of the lesser-known effects of sleep apnea is increased trips to the bathroom at night. When your breathing is disrupted, your body produces more urine than it normally would during sleep. This can make you wake up multiple times to use the bathroom, or experience leakage.

  2. Hormonal Imbalances

    Sleep apnea can disrupt the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps your kidneys retain water overnight. Without enough ADH, your kidneys may overproduce urine, leading to bladder overactivity.

  3. Added Pressure on the Abdomen

    The constant gasping or choking puts strain on your abdominal area. Over time, this can increase pressure on your bladder, worsening symptoms of incontinence.

Recognising Symptoms: How Sleep Disorders Impact Bladder Control

If you suspect sleep disorder might be contributing to bladder control issues, it’s important to look for overlapping signs. 

Common symptoms include:

  • Snoring loudly or gasping for air while sleeping

  • Waking up multiple times to urinate

  • Daytime fatigue despite getting “enough” sleep

  • Morning headaches

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.

Managing Sleep Apnea and Incontinence

The good news? There are plenty of ways to address both conditions together. Tackling sleep disorder can often lead to improvements in bladder control as well.

Treating Sleep Apnea First

  • CPAP Therapy: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine keeps your airways open, ensuring you get uninterrupted sleep. Many people notice fewer nighttime bathroom trips after starting CPAP therapy.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight, cutting back on alcohol, and sleeping on your side can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Bladder-Strengthening Techniques

  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Also known as Kegels, these exercises can strengthen the muscles supporting your bladder, reducing leaks.

  • Scheduled Bathroom Breaks: Training your bladder to follow a schedule can help reduce urgency and accidents.

Improving Sleep Hygiene

Creating a sleep-friendly environment can make a big difference:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule.

  • Avoid heavy meals or caffeine close to bedtime.

  • Make your bedroom a calm, dark, and quiet space.

The Bigger Picture

Sleep apnea and incontinence can feel overwhelming to manage, but addressing the root causes can lead to significant improvements. Better sleep means a clearer mind, more energy, and often better bladder control. Likewise, reducing incontinence symptoms can make your daily life less stressful and more enjoyable.

When to Seek Help

If at-home remedies don’t seem to be making a difference, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice. A sleep specialist can diagnose and treat sleep disorders, while a urologist can offer tailored solutions for incontinence.

 

Sleep apnea and bladder health might seem unrelated at first, but their connection is undeniable. By tackling it, you can often reduce incontinence symptoms and improve your overall well-being. With the right steps, better sleep and bladder control are within reach.

Sources: