Myths, facts and history of bedwetting
Bedwetting has been a common problem in children and, to some extent, adults for over 4,000 years. During this time many myths and misconceptions to explain it have emerged.

Many parents believe that children wet the bed because they are stressed or worried, or in some cases simply out of laziness*. These misconceptions affect the way the bedwetter is regarded and treated.

But bedwetting is not a psychological or behavioural problem, it is a recognised medical disease, with more than 5 million children throughout Europe suffering from it.

Doctors have shown that psychological problems do not cause bedwetting, but that bedwetting can cause psychological problems. Yet, bedwetting can be treated simply and effectively saving the family a great deal of anguish.

Most children are dry at night by the age of three, but bedwetting up to the age of five is not unusual. Children over the age of five who have not become dry at night and continue to wet the bed at least three times a week are considered to suffer from bedwetting. This condition can be treated with medicine or conditioning (alarm) therapy.

* Survey conducted by the UK-based charity ERIC (Enuresis Resource Information Centre)

Causes of bedwetting

• The kidneys produce more urine than the bladder can hold
• Most bedwetters have well functioning bladders and normal sleeping patterns, but they do not wake up when their bladder is full

Impact of bedwetting on the child and on the family
Children with bedwetting often feel angry, moody, ashamed and bewildered. They find it embarrassing and uncomfortable and they think they are the only children who do it.

This isolation makes them feel inhibited and they avoid taking part in any activities that mean they have to stay away from home overnight, such as school trips and sleep-overs at friends’ homes for fear of being discovered.
 
If childhood bedwetting is left untreated, it can become harder to control and the sufferer can grow up to be an adult bedwetter, who can develop problems forming close relationships for fear of being exposed.

Parents also suffer and alternate between concern for their child and exhaustion from having their sleep interrupted and having to clean bedclothes regularly.

Sometimes parents can become annoyed by it all and come to believe that their child is doing it deliberately.



Please see our page Advice for Parents for more information.