What is enuresis?

Enuresis — or bedwetting — means involuntary urination during sleep. It’s far more common than most people think and can affect both children and adults.
Let’s take a closer look at why it happens, how it can be managed, and what you can do to support your child or yourself.

CAUSES AND FACTORS

Every person’s situation is unique. But research shows that bedwetting often results from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Below you’ll find the most common causes — and how they work together.

FAMILY HISTORY

Yes, bedwetting can be genetic.

• Around 50% of children who wet the bed have at least one parent who did the same.

• If both parents experienced bedwetting as children, the likelihood of their child doing so rises to 75%.

• A child without a family history has only a 15% chance of being affected.
  Bedwetting is also more common in boys than girls.
  (Source: www.urologyhealth.org)

SLOW DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN’S CONTROL OVER THE BLADDER

You’ve probably heard someone say, “My child sleeps so deeply.”
In some cases, that’s true — and it matters. Deep sleep can delay the communication between the bladder and the brain. Instead of waking up to urinate, the pelvic floor muscles relax, and the bladder empties while the child continues sleeping.

This brain-bladder connection matures over time, but it can be supported and strengthened with consistent treatment, such as using Pjama DryGuardians Sleepwear and Alarm System.

REDUCED BLADDER CAPACITY

Some children simply have a bladder that holds less urine than average. When the bladder fills up faster during the night, accidents can happen. This is common and usually improves as the child grows.

OVERPRODUCTION OF URINE DURING SLEEP

In some children, the kidneys produce too much urine at night.
Normally, the brain releases a hormone called vasopressin (ADH) to slow urine production while we sleep.
If the brain doesn’t release enough of this hormone, or if the kidneys don’t respond properly, the child either wakes up needing to urinate or wets the bed while asleep.

Drinks containing caffeine or carbonation can also stimulate the kidneys, increasing urine output overnight.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or sleepwalking can cause the heart to release atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) — a hormone that tells the kidneys to produce more urine during the night.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation can put extra pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity and control.
Relieving constipation often helps improve bedwetting symptoms.

ENURESIS IN ADULTS: WHAT CAUSES IT?

Although bedwetting is often associated with children, it also affects around 5 million adults in the United States alone (Source: * National Association for Continence).

There are many potential causes — from temporary triggers to underlying medical conditions.

GENETICS

Just like in children, adult enuresis can be hereditary.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)

A bladder infection can increase the urge to urinate, sometimes leading to accidents during sleep.
Most UTIs are mild and resolve quickly with antibiotics.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION

Certain medicines for heart conditions, mental health, or blood pressure can affect bladder control.

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Mental stress can trigger or worsen bedwetting. In many cases, symptoms disappear once stress levels decrease.

DRINKS AND STIMULANTS

Beverages with caffeine or carbonation may irritate the bladder and increase urine production.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Some adults have a smaller bladder, overactive bladder, or structural differences that reduce storage capacity at night.

If you experience adult bedwetting, consult your doctor to rule out underlying causes.
While enuresis rarely poses physical health risks, it can strongly affect quality of life and self-esteem.