What is bedwetting?
Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, means involuntary urination during sleep.
It is common during childhood.
Nighttime bladder control often develops later than daytime bladder control.
Bedwetting is not the child’s fault and should not be treated as deliberate behaviour.
Types of bedwetting
Primary bedwetting: The child has never achieved a sustained period of nighttime dryness.
Secondary bedwetting: Bedwetting returns after the child has been dry for a significant period.
Possible contributing factors
Family history
Delayed development of nighttime bladder control
Increased urine production during sleep
Difficulty waking when the bladder is full
Constipation
Urinary tract problems
Diabetes
Sleep-disordered breathing in some children
When should parents seek medical advice?
Bedwetting suddenly returns after a long dry period.
There are daytime urinary symptoms.
The child has pain while urinating.
There is excessive thirst or frequent urination.
Constipation is significant.
The child snores heavily or has breathing problems during sleep.
Bedwetting can be managed using behavioural strategies, bladder routines, bedwetting alarms and, when appropriate, medical treatment.
