Bed wetting is the involuntary passing of urine at night and occurs most commonly among children. Between two and three years old, a child’s nervous system matures and they develop control over voiding. Thus, the older a child is, the less likely that they are to wet the bed.

Bed wetting has a family tendency and more boys are affected than girls. Often it is considered a delay in maturing where children will “grow out of it”. However, if bed wetting is an ongoing concern it may indicate an underlying condition such as a physical abnormality, a condition like diabetes, or even an obstructive lesion. A thorough physical examination is needed to eliminate these other causes.

If drug therapy is needed, desmopressin is preferred and increases the chance of staying dry by about 4.5 times. This drug increases water resorption in the kidneys meaning that there is less urine output and less chance of wetting the bed. Both nasal spray and tablets are available, and are often used along with other means of reducing bed wetting:

·        A trip to the bathroom before going to bed means that there is less urine for bed wetting.

·        Restricting fluids for about 2 to 3 hours before bed time also reduces the volume of urine.

·        Bladder training, that is visiting the bathroom at specific intervals and gradually increasing the intervals, may help develop dry nights.

·        Caffeine can increase the urine volume and can be hidden in soft drinks, chocolate, and even candy.

·        Sometimes a child isn’t able to reach the bathroom in time – consider arranging furniture so that there is a clear pathway, or even moving to a bedroom closer to the bathroom.

·        Using night lights can help children who may either be afraid of the dark or unable to see well in the dark.

·        When a child is unfamiliar with the location of the bathroom bed wetting is possible - help a child become familiar with the layout in hotel rooms, as well as friends’ or relatives’ homes.

·        Using positive reinforcement is associated with more success, for example with stars for “dry nights”.

·        Watch for signs of urinary tract infections which can increase the risk for bed wetting - pain, burning, stinging, fever, cloudy or abnormal looking urine.

·        Sleep disturbances sometimes occur along with bed wetting - it is thought that the child is so sound asleep they do not sense the need to void.

·        Enuresis alarms wake a child from deep sleep when just a few drops of urine are sensed.

·        Incontinence products for children are discrete, often resembling underwear.