There are several causes of bed wetting. Primary nocturnal enuresis or bed wetting since infancy can be attributed to two most common causes. It could be a neurological-developmental delay or these children are just delayed in developing their ability to stay dry and control their bladder. Meanwhile, there are also studies showing that bed wetting could also run in the family. If one of the parents is bed wetting until the age of five, there is about 45% that one of his kids will also experience that.

However, it is still not safe to rule out other causes. Genetic and developmental delay can be the most common causes but they cannot be identified immediately. There are different causes which can be detected by series of exams which is why, it is important for some parents to go to a doctor first.

Many causes of child bedwetting

Here are other causes of bed wetting:

Diseases and infections. About 5% of bed wetting is caused by infections and disease, urinary tract infection is the most common.

Physical abnormalities. There are some individuals who actually have a smaller bladder and lesser bladder capacity. Children’s bladder may not be developed enough.

Constipation. Too much pressure on the bladder like constipated bowels can cause urination.

ADHD. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD have 2.7 times of higher possibility for bed wetting to happen.
Drinks. There are some drinks that causes more urine like caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Hormonal imbalance. There are some children who do not develop anti-diuretic hormone or ADH. This hormone slows down urine production.

Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is an obstructive sleeping condition, the individual finds it difficult to breathe and is obstructed while sleeping. Bed wetting is not the only sign or symptom of sleep apnea, it could also include snoring, sore throat, and even daytime drowsiness.

Food allergies. Although, the link is not properly established and may require additional research, food allergies can also be cause of bed wetting.

Psychological causes. There are some incidents that may trigger bed wetting among children and even adults. For example, a traumatic experience like an accident, sexual abuse, death or bullying.

Stress. Bed wetting could be associated with returning or secondary enuresis. Stress from family issues or other social events like divorce, moving to a new place, a new member of the family or death could be a factor for bed wetting to return.

Understanding what causes bed wetting would help you understand how to manage or cure your child’s bed wetting incidents. However, before you get any kind of medication or undergo any therapy, it would be better to get medical help. Through series of tests, doctors would be able to identify what causes you child to wet the mattress and later on, define a therapy suited for your kid.

There are different causes of nocturnal enuresis or bed wetting. But its most common causes are neurological or developmental delays and family history. Medical reasons are least common but possible causes. There are also studies showing that bed wetting can also be caused by stress. Although, stress is not the identified cause of primary enuresis or bed wetting since infancy, it could be attributed with secondary enuresis or reverting to night time wetting.

Emotional neglect could cause bedwetting

Children have different ways and methods of adapting to changes in their social relationships and environment. The changes could be minor or major, but these changes could be stressful to kids. Stress could happen if there is an additional member of the family like a new baby. Moving to a new home, bullying, divorce, and even death could cause stress among children.

Aside from these situations which could put stress to a child, emotional neglect could also be a cause of bed wetting. If a child is neglected or lack emotional stability, nighttime accidents could happen as response to the stress and anxiety.

If you have determined that stress has caused the child to return to bed wetting, then you would be able to address the issue. Once you have identified that stress is the reason, then talk to your doctor if getting your child see a psychologist would be suitable for the situation.

However, never assume that just because your child reverted to nighttime accidents means that he is under stress. There could be incidents in school and at home but may not be the reason. It is always safer to check with a doctor first, to get rid or overrule medical reasons.

If stress is indeed the cause of bed wetting, then you could also ask help from the members of the family. The family could show the child that they are there to support him or her. Enlist everyone in the family to help in guiding the bedwetter in the evening to avoid bed wetting. Bed wetting could interfere with some social activities, however, letting your child participate in some overnight activities could actually help and encourage your child to pursue with the night time training.

There are some experts who have pointed out that bed wetting could be a “vicious” cycle. If stress causes the child to wet the sheets, this could also cause serious stress to the parents. Stressed out parents could distress children more and even make the situation worse. There are studies showing that punishing and shaming children because of bed wetting could actually, increase nighttime accidents. This would eventually lead to more punishment and shaming. This could cause serious problems with the child’s confidence and self-esteem.