Incontinence at Night? Overnight Incontinence Pads for Men
Overnight incontinence is often associated with children, but the truth is that it can also affect adults at any stage of their life. Understanding the causes behind overnight incontinence and making simple lifestyle changes can help you feel confident all night long and get the sleep you deserve.
MDP (Male Drip Protection) is here to help. We’re a company designed specifically to fit men’s light incontinence needs and provide independence and comfort for many nights to come. Learn about common causes for overnight incontinence and best practices for management today.
What Causes Overnight Incontinence?
There are many potential causes for overnight male incontinence, and not all are related to a larger medical condition. Some of the reasons may be related to lifestyles, like the consumption of alcohol or lack of bathroom access. Common medical conditions contributing to overnight incontinence also include an overactive bladder, minor infections, and diabetes.
At night, our bodies slow urine production in the kidneys by producing an ADH hormone, or antidiuretic hormone, so that we can rest. If less of this hormone is produced due to a larger medical condition or hormone imbalance, urine production remains the same.
This can lead to incontinence, as well. If you’re unsure about the root cause of nighttime incontinence, it’s a good idea to check your hormone levels with your doctor.
Best Practices for Managing Overnight Incontinence
Regardless of the cause behind overnight incontinence, you can follow a few steps and practices to get back to comfortable and uninterrupted sleep, and feel confident and refreshed when you wake up.
Here are some simple options for taking control of your overnight incontinence.
Practice Kegel Exercises
One of the best ways to manage the effects of an overactive bladder is with Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are often associated with women’s health, but they can also be incredibly useful for men. They are simple and easy to practice, and they can help to improve the function and strength of your bladder muscles, so it’s easier to retain urine.
Always consult your doctor before beginning pelvic floor exercises to ensure they fit your needs.
To identify which muscles you want to strengthen, stop your urine midstream or tighten the muscles that prevent flatulence. You can then practice tightening those muscles outside of the bathroom. Start by contracting those muscles for three seconds and then releasing for three seconds, taking care not to tighten the muscles in your abs, thighs, or buttocks.
You can practice Kegels while lying down, sitting, or even walking. Try to practice a few repetitions throughout the day to strengthen the muscles in your bladder and reduce the occurrence of nighttime incontinence.
Avoid Caffeine and Triggers
While there are no perfect foods for eliminating incontinence, certain foods and drinks can actually act as triggers, exacerbating the symptoms of incontinence. If you’re looking to avoid the effects of nighttime leakage, it’s best to look at what most triggers your incontinence and try to remove it from your diet, especially before bed.
Two of the most common triggers for incontinence are alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol is a diuretic, which can cause your body to overproduce waste. This can be especially problematic if you struggle to regulate nighttime urine production. Both caffeine and alcohol can irritate the bladder and cause contractions, contributing to bladder leakage.
It’s also important to make sure to hydrate before bed. While you want to avoid drinking too much to reduce the potential for leaks, your body will store water for survival if consumption is too low.
This can irritate the bladder over time and contribute to further incontinence. Finding a hydration balance that fits your specific medical needs and doesn’t trigger leaks through the night is best.
Use Incontinence Pads
If you’re looking for a little extra peace of mind, you’ll want to consider incontinence pads and sleeves like Male Drip Protection (MDP). There are incontinence products for all different needs, so you can find one that best fits your overnight practices and behaviors.
MDP incontinence products are useful if you’re concerned about light leakage and drips, as they have a reliable capacity of two ounces. They’re also customizable, form-fitted, and made with a two-strap configuration, so you know you’ll be secure and comfortable all night long.
Male Drip Protection is also made of a breathable, moisture-wicking material, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot during the night.
With incontinence pads and sleeves, you’ll be able to sleep comfortably and soundly since there will be no worry about leakage or spills. And they transition easily from day to night use, making them the versatile and reliable option for wherever your next adventure or day spent with friends might lead.
Conclusion
Nighttime incontinence is a relatively common condition and can occur for many reasons. It can leave us frustrated and embarrassed and keep us from getting the good night’s sleep we deserve.
But don’t worry. When it comes to overnight incontinence, you’re not alone.
MDP has the information and resources to help you learn more about common causes of overnight incontinence and get the support and tools you need to sleep soundly through the night. We even carry comfortable and easy-to-use incontinence sleeves for day or night, that will help you to rest easy, thanks to our customizable fit, comfortable no-shift design, and breathable technology that won’t cause irritation or overheating.
When you’re ready to get the relief you deserve from light overnight incontinence, MDP is here for you. Get the rest that will give you the energy for family fun or days out with friends, with the support of MDP sleeves today.
Sources:
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) | MyHealth Alberta
Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits - Mayo Clinic