Is bedwetting hereditary?

Lack of hormones affecting urine production

The human body creates an antidiuretic hormone to slow down the production of urine in the kidneys at night. This hormone sends a signal to the pituitary gland to stop us wetting the bed while we’re asleep, so a deficiency in this particular hormone will lead to bedwetting. Although there are many useful techniques that can help you and your child manage bedwetting, your doctor can also advise you about potential treatments.

The bladder isn’t signalling it is full

When we sleep, the bladder will send a signal to the brain indicating it is full This signal allows us to “hold-on” and to wake up to go to the toilet. For some children, this connection isn’t fully formed until they are older. If the brain doesn’t respond to the signal from the bladder, bedwetting occurs. Illnesses and injury causing enuresis Bedwetting in children or teenagers can sometimes be caused by stress or infection. In rarer cases, injury can mean a child needs plenty of sleep to recover.

Small bladder capacity

For some children, a smaller than average bladder capacity can result in frequent toilet trips during the day, as well as bedwetting problems at night. The best way to help increase bladder capacity is by drinking plenty of fluids through the day. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends children aged between 4 and 8 years old drink 6- 8 glasses of water a day.

Emotional stress

Emotional stress can be a trigger for children to wet the bed, often when they have been dry for over six months. When older children and teenagers are experiencing changes, this can increase their emotional stress. Talk to them sensitively about the causes of their worry and if you are still concerned, consult your doctor for advice.

Can diabetes cause bedwetting?

In rare instances, bedwetting can be one of the earliest signs of diabetes in children and young adults. If you are concerned about the connection between diabetes and bedwetting, contact your doctor immediately to seek advice.

Urine infections

In some cases, bedwetting can be caused by a urine infection. The symptoms will usually include painful or more frequent weeing. If you think your child may have a urine infection, contact your doctor immediately. Constipation putting pressure on the bladder Sometimes constipation and bedwetting can be directly related. A constipated bowel will lean on the bladder, causing it to empty before it’s full. If you think your child could be bedwetting due to constipation, contact your doctor for advice.