Nocturnal enuresis is a type of sleep disorder that is not only present in children and adults who have urinary tract or neurological problems. Nocturnal enuresis or most commonly known as bedwetting can also occur in people who drank too much alcohol or people who are suffering from alcohol abuse problems. It is important for people to know that nocturnal enuresis is not a type of behavioral problem. Nobody wants to void during their sleep. That is why, seeking consult with your sleep specialist or medical doctor will be of much help in managing or even totally eliminating your nocturnal enuresis problem.

What’s in Alcohol?

Alcohol is a type of diuretic that causes the body to flush out body fluids through urinating. As a type of diuretic, when alcohol is taken or consumed, there will be an increase of need to urinate or increase in urinary frequency. For people who go to bed drunk, they are at a very high risk of voiding during their sleep.

Alcohol and Liver Damage

During excessive alcohol consumption, the liver will be forced to filter and flush out the toxins found in alcohol out of the body, putting more work to the liver. When there will be too much alcohol taken, alcohol can even poison your liver maybe not right away, but gradually. Gradual damage to the liver can result to liver failure and worst, death. Liver damage can even be a contributing factor to nocturnal enuresis even with or without intake of alcohol.

Relaxation of Bladder Muscles

Muscles of the bladder are responsible in holding urine and releasing urine through voluntary and involuntary bladder sphincter control. When the bladder sphincter is relaxed, there will be a release of urine and when the bladder sphincter is intact, there will be a hold of urine. During alcohol consumption, there is a very high risk for greater bladder muscles and bladder sphincter to be relaxed, making release of the urine involuntary during sleep.

Decreased Brain Responsiveness

The brain’s overall functions are altered during alcohol consumption. The brain is responsible in sending signals to the body when it is already time to void. During alcohol consumption, the brain sends signals to the body more frequently than normal the urge to urinate. The brain’s altered or decreased brain responsiveness, alcohol diuretic properties, and relaxed bladder muscles are all contributing factors for nocturnal enuresis to people who consume too much alcohol or abuse alcohol intake.