Bed Wetting in Children: What You Can Do
For most children who wet the bed there is no need for medical intervention - as there are usually no physiological problems. However, for both the child and their parents it is inconvenient. It is uncomfortable for the child to be wet and cold and to have their sleep interrupted - it can also be embarrassing if the child wants to spend the night with a friend. There is also the extra laundry that needs to be done. However there is a lot that you can do to overcome the problem.
Common causes of bed-wetting
There are several common causes of bed-wetting and more than one may apply in any given case. They include the child:
being very deeply asleep when they have a full bladder during the night.
having drinks, quite juicy fruit or cold food before going to bed.
taking in too many stimulants such as cola and chocolate - especially in the evening or before going to bed.
having urinary tract or vaginal infections.
being cold during the night.
having weak kidney or bladder tone.
not going to the toilet to empty their bladder before going to bed.
experiencing psychological factors related to such things as moving house, changing schools, a new baby or just being tired.
having food allergies and intolerances.
being nutritionally deficient - especially in magnesium, calcium and silicon.
Food allergies and other allergic triggers are very common in children who wet the bed. They often have other allergic symptoms and problems such as asthma, eczema and hyperactivity. Often they will be hot and sweaty at night as allergens tend to over stimulate the nervous system - including the nerves that control bladder function.
What you can do to help overcome bed-wetting
There are many positive things that you can do to minimize and potentially eliminate your child's bed wetting. Many of these causes of wetting the bed can be prevented.
Monitor your child's nightly eating and drinking patters. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids early in the day and discourage any after about 5 pm. Check that they go to the toilet before bed and have plenty of bed clothes in cold weather. Keep your child's lower back and abdomen warm by having them wear a cotton undershirt and teaching them to keep this tucked in. However, if they have allergies don't overheat them. Basically, use the causes that are outlined above as a guide to try and see what the underlying problems might be.
The following are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection: constant urge to pass urine, painful, burning sensation when passing urine, fever, dull backache, and cloudy or blood stained urine. For further information on urinary tract infections and their treatment consult the Herb-Health-Guide.com/urinary-system.htm. This information is also primarily geared to adults and adjustments will need to be made when considering children - but the basis of the information is essentially the same for adults or children. When dealing with children it is wise to consult a trusted health care professional when you become aware of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. For preference, consult a naturopathic doctor.
The following are the symptoms of a vaginal infection: dry, red and itchy vulva and a white discharge. For further information on vaginal infections see vaginal thrush at healthy-vitamin-choice.com/female-reproductive.html. This information is also primarily geared to adults and adjustments will need to be made when considering children - but the basis of the information is essentially the same for adults or children. The same advice concerning consulting a professional applies here too.
If allergies are suspected it is important to find out what are the triggers. Common food allergies in children include: eggs, cow's milk and other dairy products, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, food additives and colours. Eliminate the suspect foods from the diet for a few weeks. If it is the cause the problem should be eliminated. If it contributes to the cause, along with other factors, there may or may not be a marked improvement. However, in both cases there will be a heightened response to the food if it is reintroduced.
You can also work on strengthening the bladder. The muscle that we release to allow our urine to flow is called the urethral sphincter. It can be released both voluntarily and involuntarily. This muscle can be strengthened by an exercise. To do this you need to teach your child how to recognize the sphincter muscle by having them stop the flow of urine midstream and then allowing the urine to flow again. Have them practice stopping the flow of urine during the day - so that they can recognize what using the sphincter feels like. When they can feel what using the sphincter feels like they can then practice using this muscle at times other than when they are passing urine. Have your child practice using the sphincter muscle 10 times per day and then increase the number of times that they practice to 50. On each contraction of the muscle they should try to hold the contraction for the count of 5 seconds. Before long the necessary tone and control will be available.
Additionally, here are some recommended herbs for strengthening the urinary system and reducing any anxiety and tension which might be related to bladder control. They are:
1/2 ounce St John's Wort tincture
1/2 ounce kava tincture
1/2 ounce partridgeberry tincture
1/2 ounce schizandra tincture
1/2 ounce bistort tincture
Combine all the ingredients in an amber glass jar.
Have a child (aged between 5 - 9 years) take 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. For a child aged over 9 years give 1 teaspoon twice daily.
Another herbal mixture is:
1 ounce horsetail tincture
1/2 ounce agrimony tincture
1/2 ounce sweet sumach tincture
Combine all of the ingredients in an amber glass jar.
Have a child (aged between 5 - 9 years) take 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. For a child aged over 9 years give 1 teaspoon twice daily.
It is important to explain what you want your child to do without making the child feel guilty or burdening them with added anxiety over the situation. Scolding, belittling and punishing a child for bed-wetting is never appropriate. Never commit the poor parenting error of comparing the child's behavior unfavorably with that of a sibling. A child who feels in any way rejected because of their bed-wetting or that they must stop in order to be loved and approved may develop lasting problems that are more difficult to deal with.
Dealing with bed-wetting in children over a longer than normal time can be quite exhausting. Use night time ‘nappy pants' - so that you don't have the added burden of extra laundry - while dealing with the problems. Try to relax and not let it get you down. This really is quite a common problem and with the above strategies you can ensure that it doesn't last for too long.
I hope you find the above useful. Remember that this problem is not insurmountable, is nothing to be ashamed of and it will pass.
References
Brewin, L. 2002, Natural Health for Children. ABC Books.
Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub.
Romm, A. 2000, Naturally Healthy Babies and Children. Storey Books.
Shaw, N. 2002, Herbalism. Element.
19.11.2007. 17:20
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