Nocturnal enuresis facts for kids
Nocturnal enuresis, often called bedwetting, is when a person pees in their sleep without meaning to. This happens after the age when most kids can control their bladder at night. Bedwetting can sometimes make kids and teens feel sad or embarrassed. It's important to know that most bedwetting is not a sickness or an emotional problem. Instead, it's usually just a normal part of growing up, meaning the body is still learning to control the bladder during sleep.
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What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting means you wet the bed while you are sleeping. It's something you can't control. This is different from daytime accidents, which happen when you are awake. Bedwetting is quite common, especially in younger children. Many kids grow out of it as they get older.
Why Does Bedwetting Happen?
Most of the time, bedwetting happens for a few reasons. It's usually not anyone's fault.
- Bladder Control Development: Your bladder is like a balloon that holds pee. As you grow, your brain learns to tell your bladder when to hold pee and when to let it go. For some kids, this connection takes a bit longer to develop, especially during sleep.
- Deep Sleep: Some kids sleep very deeply. They might not wake up when their bladder is full and needs to empty.
- Making Too Much Pee: Your body makes pee all the time. At night, your body usually makes less pee. But for some, the body might make more pee than usual during sleep.
- Small Bladder Capacity: Sometimes, a child's bladder might not be able to hold as much pee as other kids their age. This means it fills up faster.
- Family History: Bedwetting often runs in families. If a parent or sibling wet the bed, you might be more likely to too.
When Does Bedwetting Usually Stop?
Many children stop bedwetting on their own as they get older.
- About 15 out of 100 kids still wet the bed at age 5.
- By age 10, only about 5 out of 100 kids still wet the bed.
- By the time they are teenagers, very few still have this problem.
It's a normal part of development for many children.
How Can Bedwetting Be Managed?
There are several ways to help manage bedwetting. It's always a good idea to talk to a doctor first. They can make sure there are no other health reasons for the bedwetting.
Simple Steps at Home
- Limit Drinks Before Bed: Try to avoid giving your child lots of drinks in the hour or two before bedtime.
- Go to the Bathroom Before Sleep: Make sure your child uses the toilet right before they go to bed.
- Regular Toilet Breaks: Encourage regular trips to the toilet during the day, about every 2-3 hours.
- Avoid Caffeine: Drinks with caffeine, like some sodas, can make you pee more. It's best to avoid these.
- Be Patient and Supportive: It's important to be understanding. Bedwetting is not done on purpose. Getting upset can make a child feel worse.
Bedwetting Alarms
A bedwetting alarm is a small device that can help.
- It has a sensor that goes on your pajamas or bed.
- When the sensor gets wet from pee, a loud alarm goes off.
- This alarm wakes you up so you can go to the toilet.
- Over time, your brain learns to connect the full bladder with waking up. This helps you wake up on your own before you wet the bed.
Other Options
Sometimes, a doctor might suggest other treatments if simple steps and alarms don't work. These are less common and always need a doctor's advice.
What to Do If You Bedwet?
If you are a kid or teen who wets the bed, remember these things:
- You are not alone. Many kids and even some teens experience bedwetting.
- It's not your fault. It's a common developmental stage.
- Talk to a trusted adult. Share your feelings with a parent, guardian, or doctor. They can help you find solutions and support.
- Don't be embarrassed. Everyone's body develops at its own pace.
