Bedwetting in Children: Educator Calls for Behavioral Fixes

A public health educator in Nigeria, Dr. Maryam Almustapha, has called on parents to adopt behavioral changes as a key way to help children overcome bedwetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis. This common issue affects millions of children worldwide, including many in Nigeria, and often brings frustration and worry to families.

Practical Tips to Manage Bedwetting

Dr. Almustapha shared several practical steps to address bedwetting. These include:

• Limiting fluid intake at night, especially drinks with caffeine or excess sugar, as they can worsen the problem.
• Ensuring children empty their bladder before bedtime.
• Setting alarms to wake children at regular intervals during the night.
• Practicing bladder training by increasing the time between bathroom visits to help the bladder hold more urine.

She also highlighted modern tools that can assist. One such device is the bedwetting alarm, which uses a moisture sensor attached to the child’s underwear.

“This detects wetness and triggers an alarm as soon as the child starts wetting the bed,” Dr. Almustapha explained.

Understanding the Causes of Bedwetting

Bedwetting occurs when there is a disruption in how the bladder and brain communicate. Normally, a full bladder sends a signal to the brain to wake up and empty it. However, in children who wet the bed, this process fails. Dr. Almustapha noted three main issues that could contribute:

• Excessive urine production at night.
• An overactive bladder.
• Failure to wake up when the bladder is full.

Certain conditions can also increase the likelihood of bedwetting, such as urinary tract infections, constipation, ADHD, diabetes, and emotional stress or trauma. In Nigeria, bedwetting is often more common during the harmattan and rainy seasons due to cooler weather increasing urine production. Drinking too much water at night can further add to the challenge.

Challenges and Stigma Faced by Families

For many parents, bedwetting is a source of stress and anxiety. The stigma surrounding it often leads to feelings of shame and embarrassment for both the child and the family. Some parents struggle with how to handle the issue, with reactions ranging from scolding or punishing the child to trying home remedies or seeking medical help.

In parts of northern Nigeria, cultural practices sometimes come into play. Certain communities believe that mounting children on hyenas can cure bedwetting, though this often causes fear and anxiety in the child. Others give children various herbs and concoctions, hoping to stop the problem. Unfortunately, children who wet the bed are sometimes ridiculed, teased, or even physically punished, which can leave deep emotional scars.

Who Is Affected and When to Worry

Dr. Almustapha explained that bedwetting can affect children of all ages, and sometimes even adults. However, it is most common in children under six years old and tends to affect boys more than girls. The condition can also be genetic and run in families. Most children grow out of bedwetting over time, and it is not usually seen as a serious health issue unless it continues past the age of seven.

She added that bedwetting becomes a bigger concern when a child is over 12 years old and wets the bed two or three times a week for more than three months in a row. At this point, parents should seek professional help to understand and address the underlying causes.

Supporting Children with Care

The educator strongly advised parents to show care and support to children who wet the bed. Blaming or punishing them does not solve the problem and can make things worse. Instead, she encouraged teamwork between parents and children, along with consistent efforts to manage the issue. Therapy and behavioral changes work best when there is understanding and patience.

Conclusion: A Call for Compassion and Action

Bedwetting is a widespread challenge that many Nigerian families face, but it can be managed with the right approach. Dr. Almustapha’s advice serves as a reminder that kindness, practical steps, and patience are key to helping children overcome this issue. By reducing nighttime fluids, using tools like alarms, and creating a supportive environment, parents can make a big difference. Communities must also move away from harmful practices and focus on solutions that protect a child’s emotional and physical well-being.

With increased awareness and understanding, bedwetting can be addressed without stigma, ensuring children grow up with confidence and care.

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