Bedwetting

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Did you know? 1 in 6 five year-olds suffer with bedwetting Girls are less likely to wet the bed than boys If parents wet the bed as children, there is a 77% chance their children will do so Bedwetting alarms are 75% successful

Causes of bedwetting

Bedwetting can be caused by a number of problems and there may be more than one underlying issue which causes someone to wet the bed. The common causes include an overactive bladder, health conditions or emotional/psychological problems.

An overactive bladder is commonly associated to bedwetting as the bladder wants to excrete urine even when it is not full or when the individual is not ready to. An overactive bladder can also cause a condition known as 'urge continence' whereby a person suddenly needs to urinate but is incapable of holding on in time to reach a toilet.

Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), birth abnormalities (ectopic ureter) or spina bifida (defect in the spinal and nervous system development) can also cause bedwetting.

Despite words to the contrary, bedwetting can be caused by emotional or psychological problems. Bedwetting is common in children who are experiencing upset or worry about events such as starting a new school or the arrival of a new baby to the home. Bullying is also a common trigger for bedwetting.

Should a child wet the bed for a period of six months or more then stress or anxiety may be the underlying cause.

Symptoms of bedwetting

The main symptom of nocturnal enuresis is a lack of bladder control while asleep causing someone to pass urine involuntarily when in bed. The experience can cause upset, stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety may also be the underlying cause of the condition.

If a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the cause of bedwetting there may be associated symptoms such as pain or burning in the urethra during urination. UTIs can also cause tiredness or a feeling of being 'washed out'. Urine may appear to be cloudy or bloody and females can experience uncomfortable pressure over the pelvis. Children with a UTI may be irritable or have an unexplained fever.

Diagnosis of bedwetting

In the majority of cases, bedwetting is temporary and something children grow out of by the age of seven. If your child is wetting the bed on a regular basis, or it's causing them distress, take them to a GP for assessment.

The GP will ask questions about the frequency of bedwetting, how much the child has to drink before going to sleep and how you and your child are coping with it. They will also try to find out if there are any problems such as bullying or teasing which may be the cause.

If a UTI or underlying health problem is suspected the GP may carry out a physical examination and test the urine for blood, glucose and nitrates.

Related Terms

• Night time
• Bedwetting
• Sleeping disorders
• Wet
• Pee
• Urinating
• Urine
• Sheets
• Antidiuretic hormone
• Desmopressin
• Kids problems
• Cystitis
• Embarrassed