Why Your Child Might Still Be Bedwetting and What to Do About It
If you are up at night having to change your child's bedding due to bedwetting, this is for you.
Bedwetting, or sleep-related enuresis, is when a child accidentally urinates during sleep. It’s common, especially in younger kids, and usually isn’t a serious problem. Most children outgrow bedwetting as they get older, typically between ages 6 to 7, but it may persist in certain situations.
There are typically two different forms of bedwetting. With primary enuresis, the child has never been dry before, and with secondary enuresis, your child may have been consistently dry for about six months and then restarted bedwetting.
Common Causes of Bedwetting
Here are some common reasons why a child might wet the bed:
Deep Sleep: Some children sleep so deeply that they don’t wake up when their bladder is full, impacting their ability to achieve sound sleep and restful sleep.
Bladder Size: A smaller bladder might not hold enough urine to get through the night, affecting their ability to sleep well.
Hormone Levels: A hormone called ADH reduces urine production at night. If a child doesn’t produce enough ADH, they might produce more urine than their bladder can hold.
Genetics: Bedwetting often runs in families. If you or your partner wet the bed as children, your child might too.
Stress or Anxiety: Changes in a child’s life, like moving or starting a new school, can sometimes lead to bedwetting.
Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea and other disorders like periodic limb movement disorder of sleep can manifest as bedwetting. Consulting a sleep specialist or sleep medicine specialist can help address these issues.
Anatomical Problems: Some abnormalities in the urinary tract can lead to bedwetting.
Constipation: This is a common cause of bedwetting in children because it decreases room for the bladder to expand.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): In some cases, a urinary tract infection can lead to frequent urination and bedwetting.
Helping Your Child
If your child is experiencing sleep-related enuresis, here are some ways to help them achieve more restful sleep:
Limit Fluids Before Bed: Reduce the amount your child drinks in the evening, especially caffeinated or sugary drinks.
Regular Bathroom Visits: Encourage your child to use the bathroom before going to bed.
Bedwetting Alarms: These devices can help train your child to wake up when they need to urinate. The alarm goes off when it detects moisture.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for dry nights to encourage them.
Rule Out Underlying Causes: Speak with a sleep specialist about ruling out any underlying sleep disorder. You may also need to see a urinary tract specialist to rule out any structural problems.
Other Reasons to See a Healthcare Provider
They start wetting the bed again after being dry for several months.
There are other symptoms, such as painful urination or unusual thirst.
If you have concerns about your child's bedwetting, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. They can help determine if there's an underlying medical condition and suggest appropriate treatments. A pediatric sleep specialist or sleep medicine specialist can offer tailored advice to help your child sleep better and achieve sound sleep.
By addressing the causes of bedwetting and seeking the right help, you can ensure your child enjoys restful sleep and better overall health.
Interested in additional sleep support? Learn more about Sleep Coaching and our Private Practice The Restful Sleep Place.
