Nocturnal Enuresis or bedwetting affects half a million children and teenagers in the UK. There are reasons why a person may wet the bed. It is a medical problem that can be made worse by other conditions but the good news is that bedwetting is treatable!
Did you know that: –
Bedwetting runs in families! If one parent was a bedwetter then you have 40% chance, if two parents were bedwetters then you have 70% more chance of being a bedwetter!
Bedwetting isn’t your fault. You don’t mean to wet the bed.
Reasons for bedwetting: –
- Bladder does not stretch enough to hold the wee at nighttime
- Your kidneys (where the wee is made) carry on producing too much wee at nighttime
- You don’t wake up when your bladder sends a signal that it is full
What can also cause bedwetting: –
- Constipation
- A urine(wee) infection
- Type 1 diabetes
What can help bedwetting: –
- Go to your GP if you think you might be constipated, have a urine infection or you are suspected of having type 1 diabetes
- Drink plenty of water, aim to drink 8 full glasses per day spread out through the day. Have your last drink 1 hour before bedtime
- Avoid drinking fizzy drinks, caffeine-based drinks, and black currant juice as these can make bedwetting worse
- Go to the toilet regularly through the day. Go to the toilet just before you go to sleep and squeeze every drop of wee out.
- Be positive and try not to worry too much
- Seek support and advice around treatments from your School Nurse
Our School Nurses are here to help, you can: –
Telephone – 0808 178 3374
Text – 07520 615723
