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Causes of Bedwetting
Physical and psychological conditions can lead to bedwetting in some people. Common causes of bedwetting among children and adults include:
- small bladder size
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- stress, fear, or insecurity
- neurological disorders (e.g.: post-stroke)
- diabetes
- prostate gland enlargement
- sleep apnea (abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep)
- constipation
Hormonal imbalances can also cause bedwetting in some people. Everyone’s body makes a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH tells your body to slow down the production of urine overnight. The lower volume of urine helps a normal bladder hold urine overnight. People whose bodies don’t make sufficient levels of ADH may experience nocturnal enuresis because their bladders can’t hold higher volumes of urine.
Diabetes is another disorder that can cause bedwetting. The bodies of people with diabetes don’t process glucose (sugar) properly and may produce larger amounts of urine. The increase in urine production can cause children and adults who normally stay dry overnight to wet the bed.
Risk Factors for Bedwetting
Gender and genetics are among the risk factors for bedwetting. Both boys and girls may experience episodes of nocturnal enuresis during early childhood. Boys are more likely to wet the bed when they get older.
Family history plays a role, too. You’re likely toto wet the bed if a parent, sibling, or other family member has had the same issue.
Family history plays a role, too. You’re likely toto wet the bed if a parent, sibling, or other family member has had the same issue.
Bedwetting is also more common among children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers don’t yet fully understand the relationship between bedwetting and ADHD.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Bedwetting
Certain lifestyle changes may help end bedwetting. Setting limits on fluid intake plays a large part in controlling bedwetting. Try not to drink water or other liquids within a few hours of bedtime to reduce the risk of having an accident. Drink the majority of your daily fluid requirements before dinnertime. This will ensure that your bladder is relatively empty before bedtime.
You should also cut out caffeinated or alcoholic drinks in the evening. Caffeine and alcohol are bladder irritants and diuretics. That means they’ll cause you to urinate more.
Devise a voiding schedule to help you stay dry overnight. A voiding schedule simply means that you urinate on a regular timetable, such as every 1 to 2 hours. Use the bathroom right before you go to bed to empty your bladder fully before sleep.
Bedwetting can sometimes occur during a stressful event in a young person’s life. Conflict at home or school may cause your child to have nightly accidents. The birth of a sibling, moving to a new home, or another change in routine can be stressful to children and may trigger bedwetting incidents.
Talk to your child about how they’re feeling. Understanding and compassion can help your child feel better about their situation, which can put an end to bedwetting in many cases.
Refrain from punishing bedwetting incidents. Praise your child when they stay dry. This will help them feel good about not wetting the bed.
Medical Treatment for Bedwetting
Bedwetting that stems from a medical condition requires treatment beyond just lifestyle adjustments. Medications can treat a variety of conditions of which bedwetting is a symptom. For example:
- Antibiotics can eliminate UTIs.
- Anticholinergic drugs can calm an irritated bladder.
- Eesmopressin acetate increases levels of ADH to slow nighttime urine production.
- DHT-blocking medications reduce swelling of the prostate gland.
It’s also important to control chronic conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Bedwetting associated with underlying medical issues will likely resolve with proper management.
Outlook for Bedwetting
Most children outgrow bedwetting by about 7 years old. By this age, bladder control is stronger and more fully developed. Lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and support from family and friends can help children and adults overcome bedwetting.
