How common is bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

CHILDHOOD bedwetting is very common. At the age of four, one in five children wet the bed; one in ten wet at the age of nine.

Why does it happen?

In most children, bedwetting is due to a delay in development and not any physical problem. In some children, however, sleep disturbance, poor drinking, constipation or emotional upset may contribute.

How is it treated?

There are lots of different ways that children can be helped to become dry. Simple measures include increasing daytime drinking, avoiding caffeine and fizzy drinks, and reward systems. Medical treatments include bed alarms and Desmopressin.

What should I do if my child is bedwetting?

If your child was previously dry then see your GP to exclude problems such as infection. Otherwise, further information on the simple measures above can be found at www.eric.org.uk or www.nice.org.uk Alternatively see your school nurse, health visitor or GP.