Bedwetting (also called nocturnal enuresis) is common in children and can be distressing for both parents and children. The exact reasons are not fully understood, but several contributing factors are known:

• Family history: Bedwetting often runs in families. If one parent wet the bed as a child, there is a 40% chance their child will too. If both parents did, the chance rises to 70%. Genetics paly a strong role.
• Immature bladder control: Some children’s bladders contract and empty before they’re full, simply because the nerve and muscle control needed to hold urine overnight hasn’t fully developed. This is not a sign of a medical problem.
• High nighttime urine production: In some children, the body’s natural reduction in urine production during sleep has not yet developed, leading to more urine than the bladder can hold at night.
• Emotional stress: Although bedwetting is rarely caused by emotional issues, it can be triggered by stress – especially in children who have already been toilet trained. Life changes such as a divorce or a move may lead to a temporary return to bedwetting.
• Sleep and waking patterns: It’s a common belief that children who wet the bed sleep more deeply than others. However, research suggests the issue is more about difficulty waking in response to a full bladder.
• Medical causes: While uncommon, conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or, rarely, more serious health problems can cause bedwetting. If bedwetting begins suddenly after a period of dryness or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical advice should be sought.

Important Things to Know About Bedwetting

• Your child cannot control it. Bedwetting is involuntary. It is not due to laziness, attention-seeking, or bad behavior.
• Do not punish or shame your child. Criticism or punishment can increase stress and make the problem worse.
• Be patient and reassuring. Bedwetting can be frustrating, but most children grow out of it naturally. A calm and supportive approach helps your child feel safe and confident.
• It’s temporary. While it may seem never-ending, remember that bedwetting is a normal part of development for many children – and they will outgrow it.

First published on embarrassingproblems.com
Reviewed and edited by Dr Diane K. Newman
Last updated: July 2025 by Dr Diane K. Newman