Melatonin is a supplement widely used to help treat sleep disorders (such as delayed sleep phase) and provide relief from conditions like insomnia and jet lag. While the benefits of taking melatonin supplements are more well-known, there are a few lesser-known side effects associated with its use.
One of these side effects you may be experiencing is adult bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis). In this article, we'll thoroughly explore the role of melatonin supplements, their advantages and disadvantages, and the potential link between adult bedwetting and the usage of melatonin products. We'll also explore different options adults can pursue to stop bedwetting issues.
How Does Melatonin Work?
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Its production is triggered by darkness and inhibited by light, helping to regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Typically, melatonin production begins around 9 PM and peaks between 2 and 4 AM, depending on the time of year and the length of daylight.
In addition to its natural occurrence, melatonin is also available as a supplement, often used to treat sleep-related issues. Most of the melatonin supplements available on the market are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormone. These supplements mimic the natural effects of melatonin by acting on receptors in the brain and other areas of the body, promoting sleep.
However, melatonin doesn’t just affect sleep cycles—it has a range of functions in the body. It acts as an antioxidant, has been shown to support the immune system, and even has potential uses in treating conditions like fibromyalgia and headaches. Because melatonin is available over the counter (in Australia & the USA), many people self-medicate with it to help with insomnia or other sleep disturbances without necessarily understanding its broader effects of melatonin use.
Upsides of Melatonin Use
Melatonin is widely used for various sleep disorders and is especially popular for combating jet lag, as research has found it to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of jet lag, especially when taken after eastward flights crossing five or more time zones. Even a small dosage of 0.5 mg/day taken before bedtime at the destination can be just as effective as higher doses like 5 mg/day, though higher doses may help with the onset and quality of sleep.
Beyond jet lag, melatonin can help people with insomnia, shift work sleep disorders, and sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. It’s also thought to have antioxidant properties, which may help boost the immune system and offer protection against various diseases.
Most importantly, for short-term use, melatonin is considered safe and effective. Its natural basis and lack of need for a prescription make it accessible to many, and studies show that melatonin works better for certain conditions, particularly those involving disruptions to the circadian rhythm.
Downsides of Melatonin: Is There a Connection to Bedwetting?
While melatonin offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its downsides. Some of the more adverse side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Excessive daytime sedation
Another side effect, particularly relevant to this discussion, is bedwetting. This can occur as a result of melatonin-induced deep sleep, which may make it harder for individuals to wake up when their bladders are full. Although bedwetting is more commonly associated with children, some adults experience nocturnal enuresis when taking synthetic melatonin, likely due to the deepening of sleep cycles caused by the supplement.
In some cases, using melatonin supplements may contribute to a lack of bladder control during deeper sleep. This can be exacerbated by certain factors, such as taking too high of a dose or using melatonin in combination with other sedative medications.
Additionally, melatonin may not be suitable for everyone. People with epilepsy, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, depression, or those taking blood thinners like warfarin should exercise caution when using the supplement, as it can interact with these conditions or medications. Similarly, older adults may experience more intense melatonin side effects, such as vivid dreams or next-day dizziness, which can interfere with their daily activities.
For some, melatonin may also interfere with normal ovulation, making it difficult for women to get pregnant, which is why it should also not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare professional. Below, we'll explore additional drug interactions with melatonin.
Drug Interactions with Melatonin
Melatonin can interact with a couple of medications, potentially altering its effectiveness, extending or shortening its duration of action, or increasing the likelihood of side effects. Not all interactions require stopping one of the medications, but discussing any concerns with your doctor is important to determine the best course of action.
Common medications that may interact with melatonin include:
- Echinacea
- Fluvoxamine (used for treating OCD)
- Hormones (e.g., estrogens or hydroxyprogesterone)
- Ifosfamide (chemotherapy drug)
- Sedatives such as alprazolam, diazepam, and zolpidem
- PARP inhibitors like olaparib
- Quinolone antibiotics like moxifloxacin
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
This list is not exhaustive. Always refer to the specific prescribing information for melatonin for a complete guide to potential interactions, and consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice.
How Can Adults Stop Bedwetting?
For adults, managing this issue can interfere with everyday life, leading to stress, sleep issues, and a loss of confidence. However, many solutions are available to help adults manage and even stop bedwetting altogether.
Below, we explore some of the most effective approaches to stopping bedwetting in adults and introduce a discreet, non-invasive option designed to help anyone struggling with this condition.
1. Behavioral Changes
Making simple behavioral adjustments can significantly reduce nighttime bedwetting; these changes help regulate fluid intake and improve overall bladder control.
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Limit Fluid Intake: Avoid consuming large amounts of fluids in the late afternoon and evening. This mainly includes beverages that can irritate the bladder, such as caffeinated drinks, sodas, or alcohol.
- Regular Bathroom Routine: Establishing a regular schedule for bathroom visits throughout the day can help. Always try to urinate before going to bed, and if necessary, set an alarm to wake up during the night for a bathroom trip. This strategy trains the body to empty the bladder on a schedule, reducing the chance of accidents.
- Bladder Training: Deliberately trying to hold off urinating during the day can help increase bladder capacity and improve control over nighttime bladder function.
2. Bedwetting Alarms
One of the most effective ways to stop bedwetting in adults is using bedwetting alarms. These devices detect moisture and emit a dull noise or vibration that wakes the individual before they fully wet the bed. Over time, bedwetters learn to associate the feeling of a full bladder with waking up to go to the bathroom, creating a conditioning response that eliminates bedwetting.
Our product, the Nighthawk Bedwetting Alarm, offers a chemical-free, discreet solution for adults dealing with this issue. It detects even the slightest moisture and triggers an alarm, helping the individual wake up and address the problem before it escalates. With repeated use, the Nighthawk helps users develop the habit of waking up when their bladder is full, ultimately stopping bedwetting over time. Its compact and comfortable design ensures users can maintain maximum discretion and comfort during the night.
By providing this safe and non-invasive solution, the Nighthawk Bedwetting Alarm empowers users to stop the cycle of bedwetting without the need for medications or invasive procedures. It's a highly effective alternative to waking up with wet sheets and enables users to reclaim their sleep and confidence.
3. Medications
For some adults, medication may be a suitable option to help control bedwetting. A doctor typically prescribes these treatments, and they can be effective, especially in cases where behavioral changes alone are not enough.
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Desmopressin (DDAVP): This medication reduces the amount of urine your kidneys produce at night, making it an option for people who produce too much urine while they sleep. It can be useful for short-term use or as part of a broader treatment plan.
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Anticholinergics: These medications reduce bladder contractions, which may help people who suffer from overactive bladder conditions.
Again, medication can be an effective tool for managing bedwetting, but it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the potential side effects and long-term impacts of these treatments.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic muscles, which play a key role in controlling urination, can also help prevent bedwetting - By doing pelvic floor exercises or kegel exercises, individuals can build better muscle control, which can improve bladder function and reduce incidents of bedwetting.
To perform Kegel exercises:
- Identify the right muscles by stopping urination midstream; these are the muscles you'll be working.
- Contract and hold those muscles for about five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat 10-15 times per session, and aim for three sessions a day.
Pelvic floor exercises take time to show results, but when practiced regularly, they can be a long-term solution to bedwetting.
5. Stress Management
For some adults, bedwetting can be linked to stress, anxiety, or unresolved emotional issues. Working with a mental health professional can be a great step toward understanding any underlying psychological factors that might be contributing to bedwetting.
Therapy options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address stress, trauma, or emotional challenges. Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling sessions may relieve the psychological factors that lead to bedwetting.
6. Incontinence Products
For those who may not see immediate results from behavioral or medical treatments, incontinence products provide a practical and discreet solution. Products like incontinence pads, underwear, or waterproof mattress protectors can offer peace of mind while working toward a long-term solution.
- Mattress Protection: Using waterproof mattress covers or pads can protect your mattress from liquid damage, making clean-up easier and protecting your bedding.
These products can be used temporarily while you implement more long-term solutions, such as bedwetting alarms or pelvic floor exercises.
7. Professional Guidance
If home remedies and behavioral changes don’t help, consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can evaluate whether any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, a bladder infection, or a neurological disorder, are contributing to bedwetting. Surgical options may be discussed in some cases if other treatments are ineffective.
