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Bed-Wetting (Enuresis)

The first thing to know about bed-wetting is that it is very common - over 1 million people in the UK are affected. Around 1 in 6 five year olds and 1 in 11 nine year olds wet the bed.

Below 5 years of age occasional bed-wetting is more normal as the development of bladder control is a gradual process.

Bed-wetting has a strong genetic link but can also be caused by stress, anxiety and urinary infections. More often than not a child will naturally grow out of bed-wetting.

When a child wets the bed they awake to find the bed is wet, they are unaware that they have urinated in their sleep. They may wake whilst urinating having dreamt about urinating.

It is advisable to take your child to the doctor to check there are no treatable problems that are causing the bed-wetting. Assure your child they are not naughty and that the problem is very common.

A waterproof sheet on the bed can help with the nighttime cleaning process.

To try and prevent bed-wetting encourage your child to urinate immediately before bed. During the day your child could try waiting a little longer than normal before urinating to increase their bladder control.

At bedtime an enuresis alarm can be placed in your child's underwear, when the alarm detects moisture it sets off an alarm to wake your child and prevent them urinating. These are not a cure for bed-wetting.

If your child is stressed about staying over at a friend's house then try and re-assure them they will be fine. Sometimes the stress of potentially wetting the bed makes the child sleep lightly and prevents an accident. Some medicines are available to prevent bed-wetting, these are nasal sprays or tablets but are not a cure, maybe use these when your child is going on a sleepover.

Being woken in the middle of the night to change a wet bed can be very stressful for you and your child. Try and think how embarrassed they feel and assure them there is nothing wrong with them and you will get through it together. Do not punish your child.

If you have any concerns about bed-wetting then you should contact your doctor.

NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.



 

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