Bedwetting
A brief description
Approximately one in three four-year-olds still wets the
bed. Sleep specialists only view bed-wetting as a disorder when it continues beyond
the age of five. Nonetheless, one in 10 six year olds and one in 20 ten year olds
continues to have difficulty staying dry at night.
What causes it?
The most common cause of bedwetting is a
developmental lag. Although the parents and child are understandably concerned, bedwetting
usually disappears by itself over time. That does not mean, however, that it should
be ignored. Worry and embarrassment may keep a child from spending a night with a
friend or going to sleep-away camp, and may lower a child's self-esteem. A healthcare
provider, pediatrician, or a specialist in children's disorders can make sure that the
problem does not have a medical cause and can suggest a variety of bladder training and
other effective behavior strategies. |
