WHAT IS
EnuresIS
WHAT IS ENURESIS?
FAMILY HISTORY
Yes, bedwetting can be genetic. Fifty percent of children who suffer from bedwetting have a parent who also wet the bed as a child. If both parents experienced bedwetting as children, the likelihood of their child doing the same is 75%. A child without genetic predisposition for bedwetting has only a 15% chance of being affected. Bedwetting is more common among boys than girls.*
SLOW DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN’S CONTROL OVER THE BLADDER
Have you ever heard the phrase, “my child sleeps so deeply”? Yes, it might be true. Deep sleep can affect how the bladder communicates with the brain. Instead of waking up when the child needs to urinate, their pelvic floor muscles relax, and the bladder empties while the child continues to sleep. This brain-bladder control develops over time, but the process can be “sped up” with treatment.
REDUCED BLADDER CAPACITY
Some children have bladders that can only hold a smaller amount of urine. This condition causes the child to wet the bed while they sleep.
OVERPRODUCTION OF URINE DURING SLEEP
Some children’s kidneys produce too much urine at night. Urine production is regulated by the brain, which releases a hormone called vasopressin (ADH) to slow down urine production. If the brain doesn’t release enough of this hormone, or if the kidneys stop responding to it, the child will either wake up needing to use the toilet or wet the bed during sleep. Drinks containing caffeine and/or carbonation can also stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine.
SLEEP DISORDERS
Obstructive sleep apnea or sleepwalking can cause the heart to release atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a substance that signals the kidneys to produce more urine at night.
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, affecting how much urine it can hold and causing you to wet the bed.
LIVING WITH BEDWETTING
Bedwetting can negatively impact families, but there are tips to manage the issue. Here’s a short list to help you along the way:
- Bedwetting is not your child’s fault; do not punish or tease the child.
- Let your child eat whatever they want. It has minimal impact on treatment.
- Let your child drink whatever they want. Swedish research has shown this has little effect on treatment.
- Use Pjama when your child sleeps, both at home and away.
- Download our DryGuardians app to use the calendar and log progress, especially if your child continues to wet the bed. This can also be helpful when consulting a doctor.
- Talk about it! Many adults and children suffer from bedwetting, but no one discusses it. Share experiences and tips with those close to you, and let your child know that wetting the bed is common.
- Never speak of bedwetting as something shameful. The child hears enough of that from other sources.
- Don’t give up! Seek help, and remember, you are enough.
ENURESIS IN ADULTS: WHAT CAUSES IT?
Although wetting the bed is most often associated with children, it also affects adults. An estimated 5 million adults in the U.S. alone suffer from bedwetting.*
There are many reasons why adults experience or develop enuresis. Bedwetting in adults can be caused by underlying conditions requiring medical treatment, but it can also be due to temporary reasons such as urinary tract infections or stress.
Common cause of bedwetting in adults:
GenetiCS
Just as enuresis in children can be genetic, bedwetting in adults can also be hereditary.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)
Sometimes, a bladder infection can cause bedwetting as the person frequently feels the urge to urinate. UTIs are generally not severe and often resolve with a course of antibiotics.
SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION
Certain medications for heart conditions, mental health, or blood pressure can affect bladder control, potentially leading to bedwetting.
STRESS AND/OR ANXIETY
Mental health conditions can trigger bedwetting. If untreated, wetting the bed may persist until stress or anxiety is reduced.
DRINKS
Drinks containing caffeine and/or carbonation can irritate the bladder, leading to bedwetting.
OTHER UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Other causes may include bladder anatomy. If your bladder is smaller than average, it cannot hold as much urine overnight as it should. You may also have an overactive bladder that contributes to bedwetting.
If you suffer from adult bedwetting, it’s essential to consult a doctor first to rule out underlying medical conditions. While enuresis itself does not pose serious physical health risks, untreated bedwetting can affect your quality of life and self-esteem.
MANAGING AND TREATING BEDWETTING IN ADULTS
Bedwetting can be incredibly stressful and impact your self-esteem. Here are some strategies to help manage it:
- Medication: Some medications are available to control adult enuresis. However, it’s important to note that these medications are not designed to cure the condition.
- Bedwetting Alarms: These alarms are designed to wake you when an accident occurs. They help train your body to hold urine until you wake up and go to the toilet. Pjama offers an effective and discreet bedwetting alarm.
- Therapy: Therapy can be an excellent solution for some adults. If you suspect stress and/or anxiety causes your bedwetting, therapy might help.
- Drinks: Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid daily. Try to consume the majority earlier in the day and reduce your intake in the afternoon. Choose drinks without caffeine or carbonation to minimize the risk of wetting the bed.
