It is a periodic disorder that can be caused by several factors: excessively deep sleep, an immature micturition reflex, a psycho-emotional disorder, or a malformation of the urinary tract (in rare cases).
How does nocturnal enuresis manifest?
Nocturnal bedwetting is a condition that affects children who are toilet-trained during the day but who, for various reasons, unconsciously wet the bed at night. It is not considered a disease, but it can lead to behavioral problems, low self-esteem, and significant social stigma.
There are two types of enuresis: primary enuresis, if the child has always wet the bed, and secondary enuresis, if the child had a period of being dry for more than six months before the new nighttime wetting began. In the latter case, the cause is often a psychological or emotional disorder.
How can you help your child stop bedwetting?
Parental support is essential to help the child avoid feeling worthless. Simple techniques can be implemented: avoiding drinking before bedtime, using the bathroom right before going to bed, or displaying a calendar tracking nights with and without bedwetting (making sure to highlight the dry nights).
If these initial techniques aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to consult a pediatrician. The pediatrician will assess the situation and may prescribe the use of a “bedwetting alarm” (a device placed in the child’s underwear that beeps when the child urinates) or consider medication.
Who should you consult if your child has bedwetting?
In any case, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician to rule out other health issues related to bedwetting. Your regular pediatrician is the healthcare professional best suited to advise you on the next steps to help your child stop wetting the bed at night.
Your regular pediatrician is the healthcare professional best suited to advise you on the next step The pediatrics department at Hôpital de La Tour is also available to assist you if you’d like to learn more about bedwetting.