What happens if you need to pee while you’re asleep?

A pediatric urologist explains how the bladder and the brain communicate to wake you up when you need to ‘go’ – and how that communication might break down.

By: Jennifer Ahn, University of Washington, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 19, 2026

Words: 1,175

Last Updated: 4 weeks, 1 day ago

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By Jennifer Ahn, University of Washington

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

What happens if you have to go to the bathroom in your sleep? – Calleigh H., age 11, Oklahoma

As you drink water during the day, your body turns extra liquid it doesn’t need into pee. Your bladder stores the urine …

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