Getting a good night's sleep can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing. But when managing incontinence, staying comfortable at night isn’t always easy. Interrupted sleep or worries about leaks can leave you feeling tired and worn out the next morning.
Using washable absorbent underwear can help you stay confident during your everyday activities, but what about at nighttime? Let's take a closer look at what nighttime incontinence is and how incontinence underwear can support you when you go to bed:
Understanding nighttime incontinence
Nighttime incontinence can affect people of all ages and is more common than you might think. It's thought that 1-2% of all adults are affected by incontinence at night. [2] Here's what you need to know about what nighttime incontinence is and what causes it:
What is nighttime incontinence?
Nighttime incontinence is the involuntary release of urine while you are asleep. It can happen for many reasons, from different medical conditions to your fluid intake before bed. Here are some of the reasons you might be experiencing incontinence during your sleep: [1]
What causes incontinence at night?
- Overflow incontinence can happen when you have not completely emptied your bladder before bed, which can lead to dribbling or light leaks.
- Fizzy drinks, caffeine or alcohol intake can sometimes irritate your bladder and cause urine leakage during the night.
- Sleep apnoea and snoring can sometimes be linked to bladder leakage at nighttime.
- Some neurological disorders (like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease) or nerve damage to the bladder muscles can result in urinary incontinence, including when you are asleep.
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to accidental leaks during the day and night.
- Urge incontinence or overactive bladder (when your bladder has a strong urge to pass urine even when it is not full) can lead to small leaks while you sleep.
Bladder leakage during the night, whether it happens occasionally or more regularly, can feel a little disruptive or uncomfortable at first. But with the right support and products, you can manage nighttime incontinence with confidence.
How can washable incontinence underwear help at nighttime?
TENA washable absorbent underwear isn’t specifically designed for nighttime wear, but for many people, it can still offer protection against light leaks while sleeping. If you're dealing with incontinence during the night and want a reusable option for overnight peace of mind, this type of underwear can be a great addition to your routine.
How does TENA washable incontinence underwear protect against leaks in the night?
Our washable incontinence underwear is designed with textile technology to quickly absorb and manage light leaks - day and night. The products have four layers in the absorbent area, to keep you protected while you sleep:
- A moisture-wicking layer that quickly drains the surface to keep your skin dry.
- Two absorption layers that draw in and hold liquid.
- A liquid barrier layer that keeps the liquid in the product.
For heavier urine leakages during the night, you can rely on our discreet maxi night incontinence pads. The pads absorb leakages and moisture with the added bonus of lie-down protection, keeping you dry for up to 12 hours.
If you're still curious about our advanced technology and our different underwear styles, you can read more about how our incontinence underwear works to protect against leaks.
Is washable absorbent underwear comfortable to sleep in?
Yes! TENA Washable Soft Cotton Underwear with organic cotton feel just like your regular underwear. They’re breathable and designed for a comfortable fit, even while you sleep. You can trust TENA absorbency for light leaks.
Is washable absorbent underwear secure to use during the night?
Yes! Our washable absorbent underwear is secure to wear overnight, even if light leaks happen while you sleep. The built-in protection is designed to quickly wick moisture away from the skin, helping you stay dry and comfortable through the night. Just change into a fresh pair in the morning. TENA washable incontinence underwear is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified and can be washed at 40°C and reused up to 50 times, without compromising on comfort or performance.
Now we know all about wearing washable incontinence underwear at night and how it can help you manage leaks with confidence. Need help finding the right pair? Take a look at our size guide or read about which washable absorbent underwear might be right for you.
Medical Disclaimer
The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your doctor for guidance about a specific medical condition.
References:
[1] https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BBUK-Bedwetting-Adults.pdf
[2] https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BBUK-Bedwetting-Adults.pdf
