BED – WETTING? – HERE’S THE SOLUTION!!!
All children start life being unable to control their urine both by day and night and, as neurological maturation occurs, voluntary control of the bladder is gained first by day and then by night. Very few never gain control of the bladder unless there is an obvious neurological disease, including gross mental handicap. In most cases, bed wetting in children should be seen not as a disease but as a variation of the normal rate of neurological maturation.
There are many children who continue to wet the bed past the age of six years.
Statistics show that, in India, 7 – 16% of children (aged 5 to 12 years) suffer from nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting. The percentage is higher amongst the age group 6-8 years and lower in children aged 11-12 years.
Kids who wet the bed don’t do it on purpose. Bed-wetting happens because you don’t wake up when you need to use the bathroom.
It may also be happening because:
1. Their kidneys make more urine when they sleep than the other kid
OR
2. Their bladder may not be able to hold as much urine as others
OR
3. Sometimes this runs in family i.e. it is hereditary.
Is there help for bed-wetting?
YES!!!
Below are some ways that may help you stop/control bed-wetting. Be sure to discuss these ideas with your doctor.
- Avoid consuming liquids before bedtime.
Keep atleast 1-2 hours’ time gap before sleeping.
- Cut down on drinks containing caffeine. Most cold drinks contain caffeine.
- One of the family members should take the child to the bathroom. Although this will help you stop wetting the bed, it will not cure bed-wetting.
- You may keep a calendar to keep track of your child’s wet and dry nights. This may be helpful. A positive re-inforcement system or rewards can be quite rewarding to encourage them.
Given below is a calendar to help you track your child’s progress. Just click the download button and print the chart.
