Bedwetting Regression - Why Does it Happen?
Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common childhood issue that many families face. While some children overcome bedwetting early on, others might experience a period of dryness only to revert to bedwetting later. This phenomenon, known as bedwetting regression, can be puzzling and frustrating for both parents and children. In this blog, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind bedwetting regression and offer guidance on how to address it.
What is Bedwetting Regression?
Bedwetting regression, also known as secondary bedwetting or secondary nocturnal enuresis, refers to a situation where a child who has previously achieved dryness at night starts wetting the bed again. According to the National Kidney Foundation, secondary enuresis is a condition that develops at least six months — or even several years — after a person has learned to control their bladder. It’s important to understand that bedwetting regression is not uncommon and can be triggered by various factors.
Common Causes of Bedwetting Regression
1. Stress and Anxiety
Children are sensitive to changes in their environment and routine. Major life events such as moving to a new house, starting a new school, the arrival of a new sibling, or parental separation can cause stress and anxiety. These emotions can manifest physically, including through bedwetting.
Even conflicts at home, like arguing parents or angry interactions, can create a stressful atmosphere, making a child hesitant to get up and go to the toilet at night. For more information on the psychological causes of bedwetting, you may find this article interesting: Psychological Causes of Bedwetting.
2. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can contribute to bedwetting regression. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, sleep disorders, neurological problems and constipation can all impact a child’s ability to stay dry at night. It’s important to rule out these conditions with the help of a healthcare professional.
3. Constipation
Constipation is a frequently overlooked cause of bedwetting regression. A full bowel can press against the bladder, reducing its capacity and increasing the likelihood of accidents during the night.
Chronic constipation can stretch the rectum, and this stretching can weaken the muscles and ligaments that support good bladder control. If your child has suffered from constipation over the years and has now started bedwetting, this could be the cause. Ensuring your child has a healthy diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, and adequate hydration can help alleviate constipation.
If you think your child is constipated, it is worth asking for an X-ray to understand how serious it is. Furthermore, if you want to know what signs to look out for that indicate your child might be constipated, you may find this article interesting: Can Constipation Cause Bedwetting?
4. Sleep Quality and Quantity
There is a significant correlation between sleep and bedwetting. Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep can contribute to bedwetting regression. Children who do not get enough restful sleep may be less likely to wake up when their bladder is full. Ensuring your child has a consistent sleep schedule, a comfortable sleep environment, and practices good sleep hygiene can improve both sleep quality and bladder control.
5. Changes in Routine
Alterations in a child’s routine, such as changes in bedtime, diet, or fluid intake, can affect their nighttime bladder control. Traveling, vacations, or staying with relatives can disrupt established routines and contribute to bedwetting regression.
6. Congestion
Congestion, particularly from allergies or colds, can lead to a bout of wet nights for children. When a child is congested, they may experience disrupted sleep patterns and increased difficulty waking up during the night. This can make it harder for them to respond to the sensation of a full bladder.
Additionally, certain medications used to relieve congestion may have side effects such as increased urine production. Consequently, it is not uncommon for children dealing with congestion to temporarily regress and experience more frequent bedwetting.
For more information on how allergies might play a role in bedwetting and management strategies, you may find the article Do Allergies Cause Bedwetting? helpful.
7. Seasonal Bedwetting
Seasonal bedwetting can be influenced by various factors, particularly during periods of increased pollen and in the winter months.
During high pollen seasons, children who suffer from hay fever may become congested, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. This congestion can make it harder for a child to wake up in time to use the bathroom, contributing to bedwetting during these periods.
In winter, the cold weather often leads to more frequent urination as the body’s natural response to maintaining warmth. For more information on how cold weather can affect bedwetting and strategies to manage it, you may find the article Is Bedwetting More Common in Winter? helpful.
8. Medication
Certain medications can contribute to bedwetting either directly or indirectly. Some medications, such as diuretics or those with diuretic effects, can increase urine production, making it more likely for a child to wet the bed.
Additionally, medications such as iron tablets can cause constipation. If your child is taking any medication and experiencing bedwetting, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare professional to identify potential side effects.
See How My Program Can Help Your Child Stop Bedwetting
Build communication between brain and bladder – Program to help build the messaging system between the brain and bladder.
Discover bedwetting triggers – Discover what encourages, triggers or causes bedwetting for your child. Set your child up for success!
Bed wetting help and support – Learn various techniques and tips to improve and reinforce bladder control.
Strengthen the muscles – Strengthen the 3 involuntary pelvic muscles and the ligaments they contract against to improve urge and bladder control
Guarantee – 90 day money back guarantee
How to Address Secondary Bedwetting
1. Identify and Address Triggers
Take note of any recent changes or stressors in your child’s life. Open communication is key—gently encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences. Addressing the root causes of stress or anxiety can help reduce the frequency of bedwetting episodes.
If your child is not ready to talk, respect their space and let them know you are there for them when they are ready. Avoid pushing the conversation, as this can create additional stress.
2. Maintain a Consistent Routine
Ensure your child follows a regular bedtime routine, even on weekends. Encourage them to use the bathroom before going to bed and limit fluid intake in the evening, making sure they hydrate well throughout the day.
Establishing a calming pre-sleep ritual can also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
3. Consult a Healthcare Professional
If bedwetting regression persists, it is advisable to consult your child’s doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on appropriate treatments.
It may be useful to check for vitamin D levels, as recent research has linked deficiencies to bedwetting. Inform your doctor about this potential connection, as they may not be aware of it.
Additionally, request an X-ray to check for constipation, which can often go unnoticed and is a contributing factor to bedwetting that some doctors may not fully recognize. In addition, if your child is on any medication, check if this could be contributing to the bedwetting.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits
Promote a balanced diet and ensure your child stays hydrated throughout the day. Address any signs of constipation promptly. Encourage regular bathroom breaks and teach your child about the importance of listening to their body’s signals. Discuss with them how the brain and bladder need to communicate effectively.
5. Positive Reinforcement
Avoid punishment or negative reactions to bedwetting. Punishment for bedwetting can be counterproductive as it lowers the child’s self-esteem and makes them feel inadequate for not being able to control an unconscious event.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Encourage and celebrate the dry nights, and always offer your support and understanding, even if your child doesn’t seem phased by the bedwetting.
Additional Considerations
I have encountered several cases where a child is learning to stay dry at night and has made significant progress or even stopped wetting the bed. However, when parents travel and use a pull-up on the child “just in case” — given that it is still early days — this can sometimes lead to complete bedwetting regression.
For some children, using pull-ups during or shortly after this critical learning phase can be counterproductive. Additionally, lifestyle changes that initially helped stop wet nights may be forgotten over time.
Conclusion
Bedwetting regression can be a challenging experience, but with understanding and support, it can be managed effectively. Remember that your child is not at fault, and patience is crucial. By identifying potential triggers and maintaining a supportive environment, you can help your child overcome bedwetting regression and achieve dryness once again.
For more information on bedwetting solutions, including our Stay Dry at Night program, visit our website. Our holistic approach provides parents with in-depth knowledge of causes and contributors to bedwetting, along with several effective solutions to help your child stay dry at night.
References
Hasan Sayed Shaker, Dyaa’ Eddin Abdelfattah, Abdallah Mohamed Said Rashad Badr. (2023). Comparison between Levels of Vitamin D in Primary Mono-Symptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis and Non-Enuretic Children. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 116(Supplement_1), hcad069.759. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcad069.759
Medical News Today. (2023). Constipation X-ray: Procedure, results, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
Benisek, A. (2023). Sleep Disorders: Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis): Overview, Causes, and Treatments. WebMD. Medically reviewed by Sheikh, Z. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/bedwetting-causes
AccuWeather. (2023). Why does cold weather make me need to pee? Retrieved from https://www.accuweather.com/
Ginny Laver
Ginny Laver BA (Hons), MSc, NLP, Dip. THP is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner who specialises in helping children learn how to stop bedwetting naturally.
Share this post!
Has your child experienced bedwetting regression? Did you discover the cause? Please share your experiences in the comments below so we can help other parents together.
