Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common concern for many families. While it can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing for children and parents alike, it’s important to understand that bedwetting is often a normal part of development — and in many cases, there are effective solutions to support children through it.
Why Do Kids Wet the Bed?
Bedwetting is involuntary, and for many children, it’s not something they can control — no matter how many reminders or rewards are given. Several factors can contribute to bedwetting:
1. Delayed Bladder Maturation
Some children’s bladders develop at a slower pace. They may not be able to hold urine through the night or may not have developed the neurological connection needed to wake up when their bladder is full.
2. Deep Sleepers
Some kids sleep so soundly that they simply don’t wake up when their bladder sends signals that it’s time to go.
3. Constipation
This one surprises many parents: a backed-up bowel can put pressure on the bladder, making it harder for a child to stay dry at night.
4. Genetics
If one or both parents wet the bed as children, their child is more likely to as well. Family history plays a strong role.
5. Hormonal Imbalance
A hormone called ADH (antidiuretic hormone) helps the body produce less urine at night. Some kids don’t make enough of it yet.
6. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
In some cases, bedwetting is related to how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning — and this is where pelvic floor physical therapy can make a real difference.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and other organs. In children, just like adults, these muscles need to coordinate properly for complete and timely urination.
When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, too weak, or out of sync with the bladder, it can contribute to issues like:
-
Urgency and frequency
-
Constipation
-
Daytime leaks
-
Nighttime bedwetting
How Can Pelvic Floor PT Help with Bedwetting?
A pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist uses age-appropriate techniques to help children learn how to better sense and control their pelvic muscles. Treatment is gentle and non-invasive. It may include:
-
Education (for child and parents) about bladder and bowel health
-
Breathing and relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension and improve coordination
-
Postural training to improve pelvic alignment
-
Biofeedback to help the child learn how to contract and relax the pelvic floor
-
Timed voiding and toileting habits to train the bladder
By addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and optimizing how the muscles and nerves work together, therapy can help reduce — and in some cases eliminate — nighttime accidents.
When to Seek Help
It’s never too early to seek support if bedwetting is:
-
Causing stress or embarrassment for your child
-
Accompanied by daytime accidents or constipation
-
Still happening regularly past age 6 or 7
Many parents are relieved to find out that there’s a path forward — and that their child isn’t alone.
Final Thoughts
Bedwetting isn’t a sign of laziness or defiance. It’s a medical and developmental issue that often resolves with time — but when it doesn’t, pelvic floor physical therapy can be a powerful tool to help kids gain control, confidence, and better sleep.
If you’re concerned about your child’s bedwetting, consider speaking with a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist. Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at [email protected].
