Bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, means passing urine during sleep. It is common in young children and is not the child’s fault. Many children become dry at night as their bladder control and sleep responses mature, but support and effective treatment are available when bedwetting continues.
Why bedwetting happens
A child may produce more urine at night, have a bladder that cannot yet hold enough urine until morning, or not wake when the bladder is full. Bedwetting often runs in families. Constipation can contribute and should be treated. Less commonly, new wetting may be linked to a urinary infection, diabetes, sleep problems or emotional stress.
Helpful routines
- Offer enough water throughout the day
- Encourage regular toilet visits, including before sleep
- Avoid caffeine-containing drinks
- Make the toilet easy to reach at night
- Use washable or waterproof bedding protection
- Reward helpful routines rather than dry nights
Never punish, shame or tease a child. Regularly waking or carrying a sleeping child to the toilet does not create lasting night-time bladder control.
Treatment
A bedwetting alarm is often an effective long-term treatment when the child and family can use it consistently. Medicine such as desmopressin may be considered when rapid or short-term dryness is important, or when an alarm is unsuitable. It must be used exactly as prescribed, including instructions about fluid intake.
When to seek medical advice
Ask a healthcare professional for help if bedwetting continues and concerns the child or family, or if it restarts after at least six dry months. Seek prompt advice for pain when urinating, unusual thirst, weight loss, fever, daytime wetting, a weak urine stream, severe constipation, snoring with breathing pauses, or weakness or numbness in the legs.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026