Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common condition that affects many children and adults. While there are various causes of bedwetting, one potential trigger is liquids consumed before bedtime.
Certain beverages contain ingredients that may irritate the bladder or increase urine production, making an individual more likely to experience bedwetting. Understanding which drinks to avoid in the evenings may help reduce incidents of accidental urination while sleeping.
Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeinated drinks are stimulants that can have a diuretic effect, meaning they increase urine production and promote more frequent urination. Beverages with caffeine include:
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Soda
- Energy drinks
The caffeine in these drinks stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine. Consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can make it difficult to stay asleep through the night without getting up to go to the bathroom.
A 2005 study found that children aged 5-10 who consumed caffeine before bed were three times more likely to experience enuresis, or bedwetting, compared to children who did not have caffeine. The stimulant effect of the caffeine made the children’s bladders feel fuller.
For children prone to bedwetting, experts recommend avoiding caffeinated beverages within 4-6 hours of bedtime. Adults may also want to curb consumption of caffeinated drinks in the late afternoon and evening.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urine production that can lead to bedwetting. Drinking alcohol before bed causes the body to lose fluid through increased urination.
This fluid loss leads to the production of more urine during sleep. Alcohol also interferes with the body’s anti-diuretic hormone, which helps regulate fluid balance. This hormone typically slows urine production at night, but alcohol suppresses its activity.
A study in adults found a strong association between alcohol consumption within 2 hours of bedtime and bedwetting episodes. Adults that drank alcohol before bed were over 5 times more likely to experience nocturnal enuresis compared to adults that did not drink before bed.
Children and adults prone to bedwetting should avoid alcoholic beverages in the evenings. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit consumption to earlier in the day and hydrate well before going to bed.
Fruit Juices and Milk
Fruit juices, such as apple, cranberry, grape and orange juice tend to be acidic drinks high in fructose and citric acid. The high acidity of fruit juices may irritate the bladder in some individuals, increasing the urge to urinate.
Milk is often thought of as a healthy drink choice, however, consuming milk or other dairy products before bed may contribute to bedwetting. Milk has high calcium and protein content. The protein can irritate the bladder while the calcium may act as a diuretic, causing the body to excrete more urine.
If drinking fruit juice or milk close to bedtime seems to be triggering bedwetting, limit consumption earlier in the day and opt for plain water before bedtime. Water helps replenish fluids without overfilling the bladder.
Carbonated Beverages
Fizzy, carbonated drinks like soda pop and sparkling water contain pressurized carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles add pressure to the bladder, increasing the urge to urinate.
Carbonated beverages also expand the bladder’s holding capacity by filling it with gas in addition to liquid. Consuming carbonated drinks in the evening makes it easier to overfill the bladder while lying down.
If you enjoy soda, sparkling water or other bubbly drinks, consume them at least 2-3 hours before your bedtime. Switching to still water or decaffeinated herbal tea can help reduce bedwetting incidents.
Sugary Drinks
Beverages high in sugar, like fruit punch, lemonade, and sweetened iced teas can also influence enuresis. Sugary drinks typically contain few nutrients and loads of fructose or high fructose corn syrup.
High fructose intake is linked with increased urine production. The kidneys are unable to properly absorb and utilize excess fructose, so it gets eliminated through the urine. This can cause frequent urination and make bedwetting more likely.
Stick to water and limit sugary beverages in the evenings. If you want a sweeter drink, add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange to your water for natural flavor.
What To Drink Before Bed
Certain beverages are gentler on the bladder and less likely to cause frequent night time urination or bedwetting. The best drink options before bed include:
- Water – hydrates without overfilling the bladder
- Decaffeinated herbal tea – chamomile and peppermint teas promote relaxation
- Tart cherry juice – contains melatonin to improve sleep
- Electrolyte water – replenishes minerals lost through perspiration
- Low-fat milk – contains tryptophan to induce drowsiness
Limit fluid intake 1-2 hours before bedtime. But if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, keep a bottle of water by your bedside. Sipping small amounts can relieve dry mouth without causing frequent urination.
Tips To Reduce Bedwetting
Making adjustments to evening dietary and lifestyle habits can help minimize bedwetting:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, sugar, citrus, dairy
- Increase water intake earlier in the day
- Limit drink volume after dinner
- Use the bathroom right before bed
- Set a firm sleep schedule
- Wake up to use the bathroom if needed
- Do pelvic floor muscle exercises
- See a doctor to check for underlying causes
When To See A Doctor
Occasional bedwetting is normal but if it becomes a persistent problem, consult your physician. Seek medical advice if:
- Bedwetting occurs more than 2-3 times per week
- Bedwetting continues past the age of 7 in children
- Adult-onset bedwetting with no prior history
- Associated pain or difficulty urinating
- Bedwetting accompanies other concerning symptoms
A doctor can check for potential causes like urinary tract infections, diabetes, sleep disorders, or enlarged prostate. Ongoing bedwetting may require further evaluation, medication, or bladder training techniques.
Conclusion
Beverage choices around bedtime can influence the likelihood of experiencing enuresis or bedwetting during sleep. Drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and carbonation tend to irritate the bladder and increase urine output.
Limiting fluid intake in the evenings while staying hydrated earlier in the day can minimize urges to urinate during sleep. Children and adults prone to bedwetting may benefit from avoiding drinks that can overstimulate the bladder, in addition to practicing healthy bladder habits.