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Bedwetting, known as enuresis, is a common problem amongst U.S. families. Over one third of children of ages 5-6 regularly wet the bed, and almost twenty percent of those children between ages five and ten wet the bed. More boys than girls will be bedwetters.

Causes

What causes bedwetting? Bedwetting can be due to one or more causes. The bladder may not have developed as fast the rest of the body and simply can't hold the amount that is required of it.

Heredity plays an important role in bedwetting; if both parents wet the bed, chances are about 70% that the child will also wet the bed. Many children sleep so soundly that the brain does not perform the task of letting the sleeper know the bladder is full. Find more info at http://www.bedwetting-resource.info

Another major cause is the low production level of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) which signals the kidney to slow down the production of urine during the sleep cycle. In these children, they are at a stage of development where inadequate hormone levels are produced.

Help

Some simple measures can be very effective in lessening the frequency of bedwetting, or eliminating the problem completely.

Limit the intake of fluids, especially caffeinated fluids during the two hours prior to bedtime. Associated with this solution is ensuring a last trip to the bathroom is completed just prior to bedtime.

Motivational incentive helps reward positive behavior. Using one of the specially made products to prevent wet bedding'similar to a baby diaper, but much more discreet'allows the child to not be embarrassed by accidents which dampen clothing and bedding. Keeping a progress calendar with the child can also be helpful in praising positive behavior, rather than punishing negative behavior.

Bladder conditioning involving holding the urine during daytime hours for longer periods in order to stretch the bladder can be helpful. Practicing the stopping and restarting of urine flow can strengthen weak sphincter muscles.

Medication is sometimes recommended as a last resort, but physicians also recognize that the side effects may be less than desirable.