Alcohol and Bedwetting: Understanding the Connection

Contrary to common misconceptions, nocturnal enuresis, also known as bedwetting, is not only a problem among young children and adults with urinary problems. Bedwetting occurrences are also probable among those with alcohol abuse problems.

Diuretic

• Alcohol is a diuretic that flushes the body of fluids. Excess fluids spill out of the pores and the bladder. This increases urinary frequency, resulting in more bedwetting incidents under excess alcohol consumption.

Liver Damage

• Liver damage is a direct result of alcoholism. The liver acts as a filtration system, flushing toxins from the body. Under circumstances of alcohol poisoning, the liver becomes gradually damaged, resulting in bedwetting that eventually occurs even without alcohol consumption.

Low Brain-Function Responsiveness

• When consuming alcohol in excess, the brain's functions are less responsive. The brain sends signals to the body when the urge to use the bathroom arises. However, while intoxicated, the brain's signals to the body are less apparent. Consequentially, less brain responsiveness in conjunction with alcohol's diuretic properties increases bedwetting incidents.

Relaxed Bladder Muscles

• Bladder muscles, also known as the bladder sphincter, are contractible in both voluntary and non-voluntary actions. However, during excessive alcohol consumption, the sphincter is more relaxed, resulting in the involuntary release of urinary fluids from the bladder.