Bed wetting
Bedwetting in Children
Causes, Treatment & Management
Bedwetting (also known as nocturnal enuresis) is a common problem in children.
It is known to affect around 1 in 10 children over the age of 6, and 1 in 20 children over the age of 10. By age 15, it will affect around one in 50 children.
Bedwetting can be primary (in the case of a child who has never been dry), or secondary (where the bedwetting occurs after a period of dryness).
There are several factors that can contribute to bedwetting. Some of these are:
-
Deep sleeper – this may mean that the child is not able to fully wake to the sensation of a full bladder overnight
-
Over-production of urine at night.
-
Small bladder capacity
-
Bladder urgency
-
Family History – if a close family member wet the bed as a child, the child is more likely to experience the condition
Bedwetting is not caused by laziness or naughtiness.
When to seek help
-
Once a child reaches the age of 6-7 years.
-
In a child over the age of 5 years where the bedwetting is causing concerns with the child’s self -esteem or significant family frustration.
-
Where there are other co-existing daytime bladder or bowel problems, such as daytime urgency and/or wetting, constipation or soiling (poo in underwear).
-
When the bedwetting has restarted following a period of dryness (of 6 months or more)
