Which factor can exacerbate urinary incontinence during sleep?

A change in posture can exacerbate urinary incontinence during sleep because certain positions can increase pressure on the bladder or affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles. When a person changes position—such as rolling over or shifting in bed—it may impact their ability to control urination, especially if the bladder is already full or if there is existing weakness in the muscles that support the bladder. This is particularly pertinent during sleep when an individual is less aware of bodily sensations and has reduced voluntary control over bladder function.

In contrast, factors like inactivity or excessive grooming do not directly relate to the mechanics of bladder control during sleep. While being upright is generally associated with better control of the bladder, as gravity can assist in keeping the bladder empty, lying down can sometimes create a different pressure dynamic. Thus, those changes in posture while sleeping can increase the likelihood of incontinence occurring.