Bedwetting explained
Bedwetting can be stressful, causing embarrassment for both the child and the parent. This year, DryNites, the bedwetting experts, will be working in partnership with iVillage.co.uk to help mums understand that this is a normal part of your child’s development and give you the tools to help your child overcome the phase.
Firstly, it is vital that parents know that although bedwetting can be worrying, it is also extremely common and you are not alone. Statistics show that bedwetting is actually as common as eczema and asthma, affecting nearly 600,000 children across the UK. In fact, a fifth of five-year-olds wet the bed on a regular basis and almost one in ten four to 15-year-olds also do this at some point.
In the first of our advice features, we’ll be answering the most common questions that parents ask when their children are experiencing little accidents at night time.
What is bedwetting?
Bedwetting is defined as involuntary wetting during sleep, which is without any physical defect of the bladder or urinary system.
The majority of children experience primary bedwetting, which means that they have never had a lengthy period of being dry at night, beyond the age of five years.
Other children can experience secondary bedwetting, which is when they start wetting the bed having been dry for at least six months.
The only difference is that secondary bedwetting is more likely to be triggered by a stressful event. This can include starting a new school, or even a new child in the family. In some instances, the bedwetting continues, despite the stress being resolved.
What causes bedwetting?
The main reason for bedwetting is that children do not recognise the sensation of a full bladder at night, so they don’t wake up or hold-on to the sensation of a full bladder.
Many children aren’t yet producing enough of the natural body hormone called vasopressin at night, which is perfectly natural and will develop in time. Put simply, vasopressin works by putting the kidneys to sleep so that less urine is produced overnight.
For a few children their bladder is a bit overactive or twitchy, so it gives the sensation of fullness before it is really full.
What can I do?
Although bedwetting doesn’t pose a threat to a child’s physical health, it can affect their self-esteem and confidence. It’s important to reassure your child that everything is ok and let them know it is not their fault. You should also let them know that it is a perfectly normal phase that every child goes through.
How do I manage the phase?
DryNites are an ideal way to help you and your child cope with bedwetting, keeping clothing and sheets dry.
DryNites Pyjama Pants are designed specifically to be worn discreetly under nightwear. They look and feel like real underwear and have a thin absorbent pad that draws wetness away from the skin, so you and your child can sleep with confidence.
For further advice and information to help you and your child manage this phase together and to claim a free sample simply log onto www.drynites.co.uk
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