Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are common conditions in women, particularly among those over the age of 70, an expert has said.

According to Dr Firouz Daneshgari, a urologist and director of the University Hospitals Urology Institute in the US, more than 50 per cent of women in this age group are affected by overactive bladder or urinary incontinence.

Writing on the MD News website, he revealed that ageing, menopause, diabetes and a high body mass index (BMI) are all "significant" risk factors for overactive bladder.

"In a majority of cases, the over-activity happens both during the day and night," Dr Daneshgari revealed. "However, there are patients whose incontinence is an issue during sleep."

The urology expert explained that the amount of urine excreted by the body increases at night as a person gets older.

"This would add to the frequency of urination and the urinary incontinence," he added.

People can use a number of different adult incontinence products to help manage night-time incontinence.

These include disposable bed pads, washable bed pads and mattress covers.