Bedwetting is not considered to be a problem until your child is at least five years old. Many children, boys in particular, are slow in getting the message that they should get up to use the toilet at night, but that is no reflection on the state of their health, mental or otherwise. If a child sleeps heavily it may take longer for night dryness, but many children manage it by two or three years of age. Nothing, usually: When you’re raising a child, bedwetting comes with the territory. In fact, as many as seven million children over the age of six don’t heed nature’s call during the night. Most likely, your child is not waking up when his bladder is full and this is only a problem because the child is producing a lot of urine in the night or has a bladder that’s somewhat low on capacity. Research suggests that if both parents wet the bed as kids, their child has a 70% chance of having the same problem. Bedwetting in children who have already established a pattern of dry nights is usually caused by stress of some sort, like moving house, changing schools, or family fighting. Children who have never been dry at night may suffer from immature nerves and muscles controlling bladder function. Other medical causes include diabetes, urinary infection, nutritional deficiencies, and food allergies.
Enuresis Home Remedies to Avoid Bedwetting
If your tot is under 6, bedwetting is to be expected and not a cause for concern. After that, it’s important to check to see if something is bothering your child. Perhaps it’s a new sibling or problems at school or home. Other causes can include kidney or bladder problems and food allergies. These tips can help your child feel better and more in control. Certain herbs can help soothe bladder inflammation and promote the strength and integrity of the bladder. These include corn silk, fennel seed, horsetail herb, marshmallow root, and parsley leaf. It’s easier for kids to take an herb as a tincture than to swallow pills or drink tea.
- Corn Silk: The corn silk (flower pistils) from maize has long been used as a urinary tonic. It acts as an antiseptic, diuretic, and demulcent on the urinary system. It will stimulate and clean urinary passages while soothing inflammation. It is one of the most effective herbs for counteracting bed-wetting and incontinence. Corn silk is also, surprisingly, delicious, tasting a bit like fresh corn on the cob. Take corn silk as a tincture at night to help prevent bed-wetting. OR Try corn silk tea. Steep 2 tsps. of cornsilk in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey and then drink 1/2 cup lukewarm every 3-4 hours.
- Acupressure: When putting a child to bed, take their pinkies with your thumbnails and apply pressure on the two lines of each hand for about 30 seconds to affect the meridians. Teach kids how to apply pressure to the acupressure point on the topside between the little finger and ring finger.
- Watch Fluid Intake: To help prevent bet wetting, see that the child doesn’t drink much for at least two hours before going to sleep. Restrict your child’s fluid intake before bedtime. In particular, cut out sodas or other beverages that contain caffeine, which irritates the bladder.
- Cumin + Coriander + Fennel: Cumin–coriander–fennel tea (again, not just before bedtime) can help prevent bedwetting. To make this tea, mix the herbs in equal amounts, and steep 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Portable Potty: Put a portable potty close to the bed. This will help your child to urinate without having to travel to the toilet in the middle of the night.
- Sleeping Position: Have your child try sleeping with his or her legs slightly elevated by putting them on a pillow to reduce the gravity force of urinating.
- Nightmares in Children: Sometimes nightmares come as a result of bedwetting. Make the child prebedtime routine calm and quiet. Rough, active play or even an exciting TV program increases the risk of bedwetting. Read a story for child, or suggest child that to him or herself.
- Kegel Exercises: Teach your child to do Kegel exercises. To practice Kegels, tighten and then release the muscles that control the flow of urine. To find them, tell your child to stop midstream the next time urinating. Then release. Suggest they do 7 to 21 Kegels sets three times daily.
- Avoid Milk Before Sleep: If your child usually drinks a glass of milk at bedtime, try discontinuing that practice and see if it helps. Some children are allergic to the proteins in milk, primarily casein and whey, and the allergy can cause bedwetting. This problem is usually present from infancy, and can also cause bloating and diarrhea, among other symptoms.
- Cinnamon: Chewing on a cinnamon stick before bed can also be helpful as it has a drying effect. Also limit beverage consumption after 5 pm.
- Herbal Tea: Offer St. John’s wort and horsetail teas throughout the day, sweetened with honey, to soothe an irritable bladder and encourage control of the bladder.
- Honey: Give your child 1 tablespoon that is 20 g of honey before bed to help the body retain fluid. Don’t give honey to infants under 1 year of age due to the slight possibility of botulism spores.
- Strengthen Kidney and Bladder: Due to their rich multi-spectrum mineral content, black beans, miso soup, celery, chia seed, pumpkin seeds, and wild rice help to strengthen the kidney and bladder. Add these to your child’s diet on a regular basis.
- Make sure your child voids before goes to bed. It won’t stop the bedwetting, but there will be less stored urine, which means less urine to wet the bed.
- Help your kids stay positive too by using an affirmation. “I will wake to go to the bathroom.”
- Night Light: Be sure and provide a night light in the bathroom so it’s not scary to go to the bathroom.
- Save Your Mattress: Put a zippered plastic mattress cover on your child’s bed. Not only does it protect the mattress, it also ensures that you can treat the accident as just that – an accident, not a tragedy. Both you and your child will sleep better knowing that there’s not a major cleanup job to worry about.
If bed-wetting persists, you’ll want to see your pediatrician to rule out the possibility of infection. Some studies show that children who wet their beds may have an abnormally low level of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone helps the kidneys retain water, and if there’s a deficiency of it, more urine gets into the bladder. A doctor can prescribe a nasal spray containing a synthetic version of the hormone, to be used before bed. But behavior modification (with the help of a bedwetting alarm) may be more effective.
FAQs.
Q. What herbs help with bed-wetting?
Herbs commonly used to help with bed-wetting include chamomile, raspberry leaf, corn silk, marshmallow root, and uva ursi. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any herbs or supplements to treat bed-wetting.
Q. Can enuresis go away on its own?
In some cases, yes. For example, children who experience primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) often outgrow it as they get older. However, if the problem persists beyond the age of five or six, then additional treatment may be necessary.
Q. Does salt help with bedwetting?
No, salt does not help with bedwetting. Bedwetting is usually associated with a medical issue such as an overactive bladder or a urinary tract infection. If your child is consistently wetting the bed, it is important to speak with their pediatrician to determine the cause and treatment.
Q. What is enuresis and how is it treated?
Enuresis is a medical condition in which a person involuntarily urinates. It is commonly known as bedwetting and is most common in children. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, anxiety, bladder control problems, or urinary tract infection. Treatment for enuresis typically includes bladder training, which teaches the patient how to control their bladder, as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Medications prescribed by the doctor can help to reduce wetting episodes. In some cases, psychological counseling may be recommended to help the patient cope with their condition.
Q. What is the most common cause of enuresis?
The most common cause of enuresis (bedwetting) is an immature bladder. Other causes include physical abnormalities, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and emotional or psychological stress.
Q. Can bed-wetting be cured?
Bed-wetting is not a disease and cannot be “cured,” but it can usually be managed with treatment. Treatment options include bladder training exercises, alarm systems, medications, and other techniques. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for your individual situation.
Q. Does enuresis need treatment?
Yes, enuresis (bedwetting) may need treatment depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the person. Treatment may include medications, behavioral techniques, or both. It is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your situation.
Q. What are some tips to stop bed wetting?
- Set a regular schedule for your child to use the bathroom before bed.
- Have your child limit their fluid intake before bedtime.
- Use a bedwetting alarm to help your child become aware of the need to use the bathroom before bed.
- Make sure your child is getting enough exercise during the day.
- Talk to your child about their bedwetting and encourage them to stay positive.
- Make sure your child’s bladder is empty before they go to bed.
- Use a mattress protector to protect the mattress from any accidents.
- Avoid punishing your child for bedwetting.
- Try using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visual imagery to help your child relax.
- Talk to your doctor about medications or other treatments that may help reduce bedwetting.
Q. Is bed wetting genetic?
Yes, bed wetting can be genetic. Studies have shown that genetics play a significant role in bed wetting, and that children who have a parent or sibling who wet the bed are more likely to wet the bed themselves.
Q. Why is bed wetting related to traumatic events?
Bed wetting is often related to traumatic events because it can be a sign of psychological or emotional trauma. Stressful experiences can lead to a disruption of the body’s normal physiological processes, which can cause bed wetting. People who have experienced trauma may also experience feelings of helplessness or insecurity that can trigger bed wetting. Additionally, some children who have experienced trauma may wet the bed as a way of expressing their feelings or seeking comfort.
Q. Is bed wetting at age 12 a kind of sickness?
No, bed wetting at age 12 is not typically considered a sickness. It is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a bladder or urinary tract infection, or a psychological issue. If your child is having difficulty with bed wetting at age 12, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
Q. Are there effective cures for children who wet the bed?
Yes, there are effective cures for children who wet the bed. These include behavioral therapies such as bladder training and bed-wetting alarms, as well as medications. It is important to consult a doctor or pediatrician to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for the individual child.
Q. How can I prevent my son from wetting the bed?
- Ensure that your son is drinking enough fluids throughout the day and avoid giving him drinks before bedtime.
- Make sure your son uses the restroom before going to bed.
- Encourage your son to use the restroom during the night if he wakes up.
- Use bed-wetting alarms to help him recognize when he needs to go to the bathroom during the night.
- Consider consulting with a doctor or pediatrician if the problem persists.
Q. Is bed wetting a sign of emotional abuse?
No, bed wetting is not a sign of emotional abuse. It can be a sign of other underlying medical or psychological issues, but it is not necessarily indicative of emotional abuse.
Home remedies for bed wetting in adults
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol before bed.
- Try bladder training exercises to improve bladder control.
- Set an alarm to signal when it’s time to go to the bathroom before bed.
- Try using absorbent bedding or a bedwetting alarm to alert you when you’ve wet the bed.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.
- Make sure to urinate before going to sleep at night.
- Make lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and avoiding certain foods that can act as diuretics.
- Talk to your doctor about medications that can help manage bedwetting.
Q. How to stop bedwetting permanently?
There is no guaranteed way to stop bedwetting permanently, however there are several strategies that can be used to reduce the likelihood of bedwetting. These include:
- Setting a consistent bedtime routine: This helps to condition the body to expect bedtime and can help cue the body to begin the process of shutting down for the night.
- Limiting fluid intake before bed: This helps reduce the amount of urine that needs to be held throughout the night.
- Using bedwetting alarms: These alarms are designed to detect the first few drops of urine, which can help cue the child to wake up and use the restroom.
- Practicing bladder control exercises: Exercises such as Kegel exercises can help improve a child’s ability to control their bladder muscles.
- Wearing protective bedding: These bedding materials are designed to absorb moisture and help keep the bedding dry in the event of an accident.
It is important to remember that bedwetting is a common childhood issue and most children will outgrow it. If your child is struggling with bedwetting, it is important to speak to your doctor to discuss potential treatment options.
Adult bed wetting solutions
- Use absorbent incontinence products: Incontinence products such as adult diapers, underpads, bed protectors, and moisture-wicking bed sheets can help protect your bed and sheets from wetness.
- Establish a bathroom routine: Establish a regular bathroom routine for your loved one, such as reminding them to use the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day and night.
- Limit fluids before bed: It’s important to limit fluids before bedtime to avoid bedwetting.
- Exercise more: Exercise can help strengthen the bladder muscles and reduce urinary incontinence.
- Use a bedwetting alarm: Bedwetting alarms are designed to detect the first drops of urine and alert the sleeper to wake up and use the bathroom.
- Talk to a doctor: If the problem persists, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and find an appropriate treatment.