What is Enuresis Nocturna (bedwetting)?

Enuresis is a medical term used to describe involuntary leakage of urine, also called bedwetting when it occurs at night. Enuresis can occur in 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 to occur as a child grows older, enuresis nocturna may be present. This can be frustrating for both children and parents, but fortunately there are solutions and treatments available to address this problem.

What causes enuresis?

There are several causes of enuresis, and it is often a combination of factors. One of the most common causes is a delay in the development of the nervous system, meaning a child does not recognize the signals of a full bladder in time. Other possible causes include an overactive bladder, hereditary factors, or a sleep that is too deep for the child to wake up to the signal that he or she needs to go to the toilet. Hormonal factors, such as a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), may also contribute to the problem.

Different types of enuresis

There are two main types of enuresis: primary and secondary enuresis.

• Primary enuresis: This means that the child has never been dry for extended periods during the night. It is more common in younger children and is usually a sign of delayed development.
• Secondary enuresis: This occurs when a child or adult begins bedwetting again after an extended period of potty training. Secondary enuresis can be caused by emotional stress, medical conditions, or environmental changes.

Enuresis nocturna: nocturnal bedwetting

Enuresis nocturna, also called nocturnal enuresis, is the most common form of enuresis. Children with enuresis nocturna 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 nighttime bedwetting has nothing to do with laziness or a lack of discipline. In many cases, a child will grow out of it on their own, but some children and families may require additional support and treatment.

Treatments for enuresis

There are several treatments available for enuresis, depending on the age of the child and the severity of the problem. One of the most effective methods is the use of a bedwetting alarm, which 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, which rewards children for dry nights, can also be effective.

The role of heredity in enuresis

Enuresis can be hereditary. Research shows that children whose parents themselves suffered from bedwetting are more likely to also develop enuresis. If both parents bed-wettered as children, the chance of their child having the same problem is about 75%. This suggests that genetics may play an important role in the development of enuresis. Still, it is important to remember that each child is unique and that bedwetting does not automatically mean a long-term problem.

Enuresis and emotional impact

Bedwetting can not only be physically annoying, but also have an emotional impact on both the child and the parents. Children may feel embarrassed or insecure about bedwetting, especially as they get older. This can lead to frustration, anger or avoidance of social activities such as sleepovers. For parents, dealing with enuresis can also be stressful, especially if they don't know how to best support their child. Open communication, patience and avoiding punishment or embarrassment are crucial in helping a child with enuresis.

What can you do as a parent with enuresis?

As a parent, it is important to remain calm and supportive when your child suffers from enuresis. Never punish your child for bedwetting, as this can make the problem worse. Make sure your child feels safe and understood. Talk to your child about what is happening and explain that bedwetting is something many children deal with. It may also be helpful to use a bedwetting alarm or help your child by going to the bathroom before bedtime. Patience and consistency are the key to success.

When should you consult a doctor?

In many cases, a child grows over enuresis on his or her own, but in some situations it is wise to seek medical attention. If your child still wets the bed regularly after age seven or if secondary enuresis is present, it is advisable to contact a doctor. A doctor can examine for underlying medical causes, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder problems, and suggest appropriate treatment. Professional help may also be necessary if enuresis is causing emotional problems.

The importance of a good night's sleep in enuresis

Although enuresis can be a disruption to sleep, it is important to make sure your child gets enough sleep. A good night's sleep contributes to overall health and can help the body recover more quickly from bedwetting. Try to create a restful bedtime routine and avoid giving your child too many fluids right before bedtime. By focusing on a healthy sleep environment, you can minimize the impact of enuresis on your child's sleep.

Dealing with enuresis

Enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common problem in children that often goes away on its own as they get older. As a parent, it is important to remain patient and support your child during this process. There are several effective treatments available, such as bedwetters and medication, that can help reduce bedwetting. Remember that bedwetting has nothing to do with willpower or laziness, but is often the result of a developmental delay. By working with your child and consulting a doctor if necessary, you can take the right steps to effectively treat enuresis.

The most inovative bedwetting alarm

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

The Dryly bedwetting alarm is designed to turn an unpleasant subject like Enuresis Nocturna into a fun adventure with Wizzu the panda bear. This positive approach helps motivate your child and gets 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 begin the bedtime ritual in the Dryly app. Part of this includes reading a book, going to the bathroom and unwinding. On the underwear, you attach the transmitter. This guards against an accident.

If your child begins to urinate in bed while asleep, the transmitter notices and sends a message to the receiver. The receiver plays a sound so your child wakes up. It also sends a message to the Bedwetting Alarm app on your smartphone. This allows you to properly support your child with urinating and changing the Dryly bedwetting alarm underwear.

Through the bedwetting alarm method, the child learns to recognize the messages of a full bladder better and better because it is awakened each time it becomes "too much. We hear stories of parents who became dry in a matter of weeks, but we advise that you should count on a trajectory of 2-3 months anyway.

Insurance and fees

Did you know that there is a solution against Enuresis Nocturna that is reimbursable? What many people don't know is that the bedwetting alarm is reimbursed by many insurance companies. Depending on the health insurance company and the package, this may be in whole or in part. Unfortunately, about 8% of health insurance companies do not cover the bedwetting alarm. Want to know if your insurance company will cover the bedwetting alarm? Take a quick look at our reimbursements page.

Best bedwetting alarm including app with playful elements

The alarm that goes off when urinating causes children to make the connection between a full bladder and having to go to the bathroom themselves at a moment's notice. Initially, the alarm will cause the child to startle, wake up and tighten the sphincter of the bladder. The behavior is then learned during this period. When the bedwetting alarm is used for a few weeks, the child will make a connection between the alarm and a full bladder. By learning the behavior to go to the bathroom, when the bladder is full, the child will wake up and go to the bathroom by himself. This process is called classical conditioning.

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

Besides fun features, it also helps parents keep track of bed-wetting behavior. For example, the app notifies you when bedwetting occurs and you can also track progress. This allows you to see at a glance how the child is progressing.

The interactive mobile app, the panda toy Dryly®, the cool underwear and operation are at the heart of the adventure.