Building a night-time continence routine

Disrupted sleep is one of the most common reasons families burn out. A thoughtful night-time routine protects everyone in the household — not just the person being cared for.

• Toilet just before bed as part of the wind-down routine.
• Use a higher absorbency product overnight — many overnight products hold significantly more than daytime equivalents.
• Layer protection sensibly — a single high-quality product is usually better than doubling up, which can cause leaks at the seams.
• Add bed protection — a quality reusable underpad protects mattresses without the cost of single-use options.
• Plan one strategic change — for some users, a single change at a consistent time (e.g. 2am) is enough to make it through to morning dry.

• Restricting fluids in the evening. Dehydration concentrates urine, irritates the bladder and can worsen leakage.
• Frequent unplanned checks. They disturb sleep and are usually not necessary if the right product is fitted correctly.
• Heavy, layered bedding that traps heat and moisture against the skin.

Consider asking for a review if you notice:

• More than one leak per week despite the right product.
• New nocturnal leakage in someone who was previously dry overnight.
• Skin changes or pressure injuries developing on the buttocks, sacrum or thighs.

A targeted review usually solves the issue in one or two visits. Request an assessment if things are not improving.