January 16, 2026
Frequently wetting the bed can be an embarrassing problem on its own, but did you know that it can also be a potential warning sign of sleep apnea? The two issues may not seem related on the surface, but research indicates that there often is a link between sleep-disordered breathing and nighttime urination. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know about this surprising connection.
Having sleep apnea means experiencing repeated interruptions in your breathing while you’re asleep, often as a result of an obstructed airway. Each interruption can cause your brain to briefly wake your body up in an effort to get some air; this can make it extremely difficult to get the quality sleep you need to function at your best during the day.
So how can sleep apnea lead to nighttime urination? Research indicates that it could be a side effect of decreased blood oxygen levels. A lack of oxygen can cause your heart to release a hormone called ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), which encourages urine production. Consequently, as sleep apnea grows more severe, you may be more likely to urinate while you’re asleep.
If you believe that your bedwetting might be caused by sleep apnea, you should make arrangements to have a sleep test performed. A sleep expert can review the results of the test to determine whether you’re truly experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. Once the underlying problem has been diagnosed, you can seek an appropriate form of treatment in order to get your symptoms under control.
While sleep apnea is traditionally treated with a CPAP machine, you may prefer to wear a customized oral appliance instead. This device can help prevent breathing interruptions during the night by repositioning your lower jaw in order to maintain a clear airway. Not only is an oral appliance quieter than a CPAP machine, but it’s easier to take care of, and it’s less of a hassle to travel with.
While you’re having your sleep apnea treated, you might also consider taking a few precautions against nighttime urination. This might involve using the restroom right before your normal bedtime or simply drinking less fluids in the evening.
In short, if you’ve been wetting the bed recently, you should take the necessary steps to see whether it’s related to sleep apnea. If it is, then it’s essential to have the issue treated as promptly as possible so that you can enjoy more restful nights again.
At GoTo Sleep Center – Scottsdale, our sleep dentists are fully dedicated to helping people find solutions for sleep apnea and snoring. We provide at-home sleep tests so that our patients can be evaluated for their sleep-disordered breathing without having to spend the night at an unfamiliar lab. Furthermore, we offer many types of customized oral appliances that can be carefully designed to meet the unique needs of all of our patients. If you’re experiencing bedwetting that might be linked to sleep apnea, you can schedule an appointment at our practice by visiting our website or calling (623) 299-8799.
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