Is Bedwetting More Common in Winter?

Possible Causes of Increased Winter Bedwetting

Physiological Factors

• Increased Urine Production: The colder weather can lead to physiological changes where the body tries to regulate its temperature, potentially causing the kidneys to produce more urine. This increase can challenge a child’s ability to stay dry throughout the night.

• Decreased Bladder Capacity: Additionally, the lower temperatures might cause the bladder to contract, reducing its urine storage capacity, which can lead to more frequent urges to urinate. 

Behavioral Factors

• Trouble Getting Out of Bed: In colder temperatures, the discomfort of leaving a cozy and warm bed can make children hesitant to get up for a nighttime bathroom trip. This reluctance may increase the risk of bedwetting as they delay responding to the urge to urinate.

• Pajamas: Taking down a one-piece pajama in the middle of the night when it is cold isn’t fun.  The inconvenience of managing one-piece pajamas during the night can discourage children from using the toilet. This combined with cold conditions together may complicate nighttime bathroom visits and contribute to higher incidents of bedwetting.

Reassurance and Tips for Parents

Bedwetting can be a stressful experience for both children and parents, but it’s important to remember that it is common and not your child’s fault. To help manage and possibly reduce bedwetting during winter, consider the following strategies:

• Encourage daytime fluid intake to ensure your child is well-hydrated but doesn’t need to drink too much in the evening.

• Warm the bedroom slightly or provide warm nightclothes to make getting out of bed easier.

• Have a night light in the hallway and/ or in the toilet, so that it isn’t a daunting walk to the toilet in the dark.

• Make sure their pajamas are easy to manage to go to the toilet and they don’t have to half undress to go.

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes trips to the bathroom before bed.