How to stop bedwetting?

Before the age of 5, this situation is perfectly normal, since the child does not yet have complete control over his sphincters. Beyond that, the condition is known as nocturnal enuresis. Rare in children over 15, nocturnal enuresis affects 8% of children over 8, and nearly 2 out of 10 children aged 5 to 8. Various factors may be at the root of this phenomenon, which is rarely attributable to illness. It's important to find out why children can't stop wetting the bed, to help them control their bladder. Treatment or prevention: solutions exist.

Why can't a child stop wetting the bed?

In children over 5 years of age who wet the bed every night or almost every night, the phenomenon is considered to be a simple growth delay, not attributable to any physiological or psychological cause. In most cases, nocturnal enuresis fades with time. It disappears completely once the child has passed the difficult stage of toilet training. Nocturnal enuresis is said to be primary when its origin is physiological. Pituitary dysfunction, diabetes and bladder immaturity are among the causes to look for. Heredity is also a physiological cause. The risk of wetting the bed at night when both parents were enuretic during childhood is 7 out of 10, and 4 out of 10 if enuresis affected only one of the parents. On the other hand, if the child wets the bed again, even though he or she has had perfect bladder control for more than six months, this is known as secondary enuresis. Its origin is psychological, and we need to find out what is causing the problem. In this case, it's not a case of late learning, since bladder control was already acquired. It occurs after a particular event. It's quite common when a new child joins the family. Fear of growing up is also one of the causes often cited by child psychiatrists. Parental separation, which triggers an emotional shock in the child, or a change of school - a stressful situation - are other possible causes.

Treatment or prevention: solutions exist

Whatever the type of enuresis, primary or secondary, it's vital not to make the child feel guilty, because bedwetting is totally involuntary. Punishment and humiliation only aggravate the situation and generate feelings of shame. Psychological treatment is essential when a child is unable to stop bedwetting and suffers as a result. The aim of the sessions is to enable the child to express his or her discomfort, and for the professional to find the exact cause of the enuresis. Antidiuretics can be prescribed for children over 6 years of age. The treatment consists of one active molecule for 6 to 7 hours. It should be taken at bedtime to help the child stop wetting the bed during the night. Another option is a sound device in the form of a diaper that emits a signal as soon as the child wets the bed. In 20% of cases, nocturnal enuresis can be prevented by adopting simple lifestyle rules. It's best to avoid giving the child too much to drink shortly before bedtime. It's also important to facilitate access to the toilet by installing a small nightlight. Fear of the dark doesn't encourage children to get up in the middle of the night. You need to teach him not to hold back when he has to pee, even when he's playing. To do this, the child must be able to perceive and understand bodily signals. As body awareness cannot be acquired too early, neither can potty training. Parents must therefore be careful not to be too strict when potty training a very young child, as this can lead to nocturnal enuresis.