Nocturnal enuresis

Enuresis nocturna is a medical term used to indicate involuntary loss of urine, also known as bedwetting, when it occurs at night. Enuresis can occur in both children and adults, although it is most common in children under the age of seven. In children, it is a normal part of development, but if bedwetting continues as a child grows older, it may be a case of enuresis. This can be frustrating for both children and parents, but fortunately, there are solutions and treatments available to address this problem.

What causes enuresis nocturna?

There are several causes for bedwetting, and often there is a combination of factors involved. One of the most common causes is a delayed development of the nervous system, which may result in a child not noticing the signals of a full bladder in time. Other possible causes include an overactive bladder, hereditary factors, or a sleep that is too deep, preventing the child from waking up from the signal that they need to go to the toilet. Hormonal factors, such as a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH), can also contribute to the problem.

Different types of enuresis

There are two main forms of enuresis: primary and secondary bedwetting.

Primary enuresis: This means that the child has never stayed dry at night for an extended period. This occurs more often in younger children and usually points to a developmental delay.

Secondary enuresis: This occurs when a child or adult begins wetting the bed again after a longer period of being potty trained. Secondary enuresis can be caused by emotional stress, medical conditions, or changes in the environment.

Enuresis Nocturna: nocturnal bedwetting

Enuresis Nocturna, also known as bedwetting, is the most common form of enuresis. Children with nocturnal enuresis have difficulty controlling their bladder at night. This is often because they are in a deep sleep and do not notice the signal of a full bladder. It is important to know that bedwetting at night has nothing to do with laziness or a lack of discipline. In many cases, a child outgrows it on their own, but some children and families may need extra support and treatment.

Enuresis Diurna

Besides nocturnal enuresis, there is also daytime enuresis. This is the involuntary loss of urine in children who are old enough to be potty trained. In other words, this is also called daytime incontinence. This form of incontinence can have various causes, such as an overactive bladder, concentration problems, or avoidance behavior, where children postpone going to the toilet.

Sometimes stress or emotional tension can play a role in this. Daytime wetting is more common in girls than in boys and can have a major impact on a child's self-confidence. Timely diagnosis and guidance, often through a urotherapist or pediatrician, are important to tackle the problem in an effective and child-friendly way.

Treatments for Enuresis Nocturna

There are various treatments for bedwetting available, depending on the child's age and the severity of the problem. One of the most effective methods is the use of a bedwetting alarm that wakes the child as soon as the first drops of urine are detected. This helps train the brain to notice signals from the bladder. Other treatments may include medication, such as desmopressin, which helps reduce urine production at night. In some cases, behavioral therapy, where children are rewarded for dry nights, can also be effective.

The role of heredity in bedwetting

Bedwetting can be hereditary. Research shows that children whose parents wet the bed themselves as children have a greater chance of also experiencing bedwetting. If both parents wet the bed as children, the chance that their child will have the same problem is approximately 75%. This indicates that genetic factors can play an important role in the development of bedwetting. Still, it is important to remember that every child is unique and that bedwetting does not automatically mean a long-term problem.

Bedwetting and its emotional consequences

Bedwetting can not only be physically bothersome, but can also have emotional consequences for both the child and the parents. Children may feel ashamed or insecure about bedwetting, especially as they get older. This can lead to frustration, anger, or the avoidance of social activities such as sleepovers. For parents, dealing with nocturnal enuresis can also be stressful, especially if they do not know how best to support their child. Open communication, patience, and avoiding punishment or humiliation are crucial in helping a child with enuresis.

What you as a parent can do against Enuresis Nocturna

As a parent, it is important to remain calm and supportive if your child suffers from bedwetting. Never punish your child for bedwetting, as this can make the problem worse. Ensure that your child feels safe and understood. Talk to your child about what is going on and explain that bedwetting is something many children deal with. It can also help to use a bedwetting alarm or to help your child by going to the toilet before bedtime. Patience and consistency are the keys to success.

When must you consult a doctor?

In many cases, a child outgrows bedwetting on their own, but in some cases, it is wise to seek medical help. If your child still wets the bed regularly after their seventh birthday or if there is a case of secondary enuresis, it is advisable to contact a doctor. A doctor can investigate whether there are underlying medical causes, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder problems, and suggest an appropriate treatment. Professional help may also be necessary if bedwetting causes emotional problems.

The importance of a good night's sleep for enuresis

Although enuresis nocturna can disrupt sleep, it is important that your child gets enough sleep. A good night's rest contributes to overall health and can help the body recover faster from bedwetting. Try to create a calming bedtime routine and do not give your child too much to drink just before going to bed. By paying attention to a healthy sleep environment, you can minimize the impact of bedwetting on your child's sleep.

Dealing with enuresis

Enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common problem in children that often disappears on its own as they get older. It is important to remain patient as a parent and to support your child throughout this process. There are several effective treatments available, such as bedwetting alarms and medication, that can help to reduce bedwetting. Don't forget that bedwetting has nothing to do with willpower or laziness, but is often the result of a developmental delay. By working together with your child and possibly consulting a doctor, you can take the right steps to treat enuresis effectively.

The most innovative bedwetting alarm

Science shows that this is one of the most effective ways to get rid of Enuresis Nocturna. Various studies show a success rate of 70% to 93% percent in children between 5 and 12 years old with the help of a bedwetting alarm.

The Dryly bedwetting alarm is designed in such a way that an unpleasant topic like Enuresis Nocturna is turned into a fun adventure with Wizzu the panda bear. Through this positive approach, your child is better motivated, and we therefore achieve results faster.

When you receive the Dryly bedwetting alarm, it includes Wizzu the panda bear, underwear, a receiver, and a transmitter. By the time your child goes to bed, they put on the bedwetting alarm underwear and start the bedtime ritual in the Dryly App. Part of this is reading a book, going to the toilet, and winding down. You attach the transmitter to the underwear. It watches for any accidents.

If your child starts to wet the bed while they are sleeping, the transmitter notices this and sends a message to the receiver. The receiver plays a sound so that your child wakes up. It also sends a message to the bedwetting alarm app on your smartphone. This way, you can support your child well with urinating and replacing the Dryly alarm underwear.

Through the bedwetting alarm method, the child learns to better recognize the signals of a full bladder because they are awakened each time the moment it becomes 'too much.' We hear stories of parents who have become dry in a matter of weeks, but we advise that you still count on a trajectory of 2 to 3 months.

Insurance and reimbursements

Did you know there is a solution for Enuresis Nocturna that is reimbursed? What many people do not know is that the bedwetting alarm is reimbursed by many insurers. Depending on the health insurer and the policy, this can be in whole or in part. Unfortunately, there are also about 8% of health insurance providers that do not reimburse the bedwetting alarm. Curious whether your health insurer reimburses the bedwetting alarm? Then take a quick look at our page Reimbursements.

Best bedwetting alarm including App with playful elements

The alarm that goes off when urine is detected ensures that children eventually make the connection themselves between a full bladder and the fact that they need to go to the toilet. Initially, the alarm will cause the child to be startled, wake up, and tighten the sphincter of the bladder. That behavior is then learned in this period. When the bedwetting alarm has been used for a few weeks, the child will make a link between the alarm and a full bladder. Because the behavior of going to the toilet is learned, the child will wake up themselves when they have a full bladder and go to the toilet on their own. This process is called classical conditioning.

With panda bear Wizzu as a new best friend, the adventure begins. Wizzu is also always nearby in the mobile App. Wizzu is always there for you and helps on the way to dry nights. You can even personalize Wizzu, save points for every dry night, and exchange these points for, for example, cool sunglasses or a fun hat.

Besides fun features, it also helps parents to keep track of bedwetting behavior. For example, the App provides a notification when the bed is wet, and you can also track progress. This way, you can see at a glance how the child is progressing.

The interactive mobile app, the Dryly® panda plush, the cool underwear, and the operation form the basis of the adventure.

Learn more about wetting during the day? Read here about 'Enuresis Diurna.'