When Bedwetting Keeps Happening: What Parents Need to Know About Paediatric Enuresis

Written By Courtney Wieck

If your child is still wetting the bed at night, you’re definitely not alone. Around the world, millions of families deal with the same challenge. And while it can feel frustrating or worrying, the good news is: bedwetting (also called paediatric enuresis) is usually treatable, and often gets better with the right support.

Let’s break it down—what bedwetting actually is, why it happens, and what you can do to help your child.

What is paediatric enuresis?

Bedwetting is when a child 5 years or older passes urine in their sleep without meaning to. Doctors call this enuresis.

There are a few types:

  • Primary enuresis: your child has never had a long stretch of dry nights.

  • Secondary enuresis: your child was dry for months, maybe even years, but then started wetting the bed again.

Another distinction is:

  • Monosymptomatic: bedwetting only happens at night, with no daytime issues.

  • Non-monosymptomatic: bedwetting comes along with daytime bladder problems like urgency, accidents, or going to the toilet very frequently.

    Understanding which type your child has helps guide treatment.

Why does it happen?

Bedwetting isn’t caused by laziness or “being naughty.” Research shows it usually comes down to a mix of factors:

  • Deep sleep: some kids just don’t wake up when their bladder is full.

  • Producing too much urine at night: their body makes more than their bladder can hold.

  • Small bladder capacity: their bladder may not stretch enough to last the night.

  • Constipation: this is a big one. Studies show that up to 80% of kids who wet the bed also have constipation, and treating constipation alone can solve the problem for many children.

  • Other factors: things like ADHD, sleep apnoea, developmental delays, or family history can also play a role.

What can you do to help?

The first step is always reassurance—for you and your child. Bedwetting is common, and with support, most children improve. Here are some steps backed by research and commonly recommended by paediatric and pelvic health professionals:

1. Simple home strategies

  • Make sure your child goes to the toilet before bed

  • Encourage regular toilet breaks during the day (don’t let them “hold on”).

  • Reduce caffeine and fizzy drinks, especially in the evening.

  • If constipation is an issue, tackle it early—healthy bowel habits make a huge difference for bladder control.

2. Enuresis alarms

These small devices detect wetness and wake your child (or you) when an accident starts. Over time, this conditions the brain to connect a full bladder with waking up. Research shows alarms are often the most effective long-term solution, especially if your child only wets at night.

3. Medication (sometimes)

If other methods aren’t working, doctors may prescribe medicine such as desmopressin, which helps reduce night-time urine production. Some children respond really well, though it usually works best alongside other strategies.

4. Pelvic health physiotherapy

Physios who specialise in kids’ bladder and bowel health can help with things like:

  • Teaching proper toileting posture so your child empties their bladder fully.

  • Relaxation or strengthening exercises if muscles aren’t working quite right.

  • Bowel management programs for constipation.

  • Supporting alarm training and healthy routines.

  • Sometimes, gentle therapies like TENS (a small device that helps calm bladder signals).

What not to do

  • Don’t blame or punish: bedwetting is not your child’s fault, and shame makes things worse

  • Don’t rush into medication first: often, lifestyle and behavioural changes should be tried before tablets.

  • Don’t ignore ongoing symptoms: if your child has daytime accidents, pain, or suddenly starts wetting again after being dry, check in with your GP or paediatric physiotherapist.

The bottom line

Bedwetting can be stressful, but it’s rarely permanent. Most children grow out of it, and the right support—from simple home routines to alarm therapy or professional guidance—can make a huge difference.

If you’re feeling stuck, a pelvic health physiotherapist can work alongside your family to find the cause, support your child’s bladder and bowel health, and help everyone get a better night’s sleep.

✨ Remember: You and your child are not alone. With patience, encouragement, and the right strategies, dry nights are possible.


Courtney Wieck
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