30-Something Man's Bedwetting and Sleepiness Linked to Sleep Apnea

A man in his thirties sought medical help for persistent nighttime urination and recent bedwetting, accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness. Doctors discovered the cause was not a problem with his urinary tract, but severe sleep apnea.

According to Dr. Cai Ming-shao from Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, sleep apnea causes repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep. This can interfere with the body's hormonal balance, specifically reducing the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH normally decreases urine production at night. Insufficient ADH can lead to increased nighttime urination and even bedwetting.

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Patients with sleep apnea repeatedly experience airway obstruction and hypoxia during sleep, and frequent awakenings, which can not only cause nocturia but are also related to metabolic problems such as obesity.

Furthermore, the repeated oxygen deprivation and micro-arousals associated with sleep apnea disrupt normal sleep architecture. Patients may not wake up promptly when they feel the urge to urinate, leading to accidents. The chronic poor sleep quality also results in daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent sleepiness.

Dr. Cai emphasized that sleep apnea is more than just snoring, a common symptom affecting nearly half of Taiwan's population. Untreated, it is linked to metabolic issues like obesity and significantly increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Sleep disturbances can also impair daily functioning and increase the risk of accidents, particularly while driving.

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Long-term sleep quality is poor, which can easily cause daytime fatigue, lack of concentration, and sleepiness.