Bedwetting

(see also Urinary Incontinence)

 

Symptoms

Bedwetting is involuntary urination, while sleeping, by children past the expected toilet-training age, or by adults. By age three, children often demonstrate daytime bladder control, but regular night-time bladder control will often only be mastered by age five. Even after the age of six, one in ten children has problems with bedwetting.

Bedwetting Causes

Bladder control, especially at night, is a complex operation, Usually, the problem simply lies in the need for a longer maturing period and resolves itself in time. Boys tend to wet the bed more than girls, and evidence shows a family tendency towards this problem. Parents sometimes start toilet-training their children too early or too late. When children begin to wet their beds after a dry period, the root problem is usually stress from family or pressures at school.

Allergies cause some children's bladders to spasm. Many times, these children wet their beds every night because of the milk or fruit juice they drink at bedtime. Some juices that can cause a problem include orange, apple, grapefruit, pineapple and grape. Other typical allergy-causing foods are wheat, corn, soy, eggs and tomatoes. An anatomical anomaly or an infection are rare causes. Deep sleep due to hypoglycemia can lead to bedwetting since the brain does not know that the bladder is about to empty.

Bedwetting Nutrition

To prevent accidents, avoid fluids an hour before bedtime. Include adequate fiber in the diet to prevent constipation, which may provoke bedwetting. To determine if bedwetting is linked to a food allergy, try an elimination diet with your child. If the child is found to be sensitive to foods such as milk, dairy products, wheat or citrus fruits, eliminating the allergen should alleviate the problem. Give your child foods high in silica, calcium and magnesium. Sesame seeds, almonds, porridge, milk pudding with figs and bananas are good sources of these minerals. Calcium and magnesium relax the system and can help counteract the nervous tension which often provokes bedwetting. Silica strengthens the urinary tract, kidney and bladder functions.

Bedwetting Nutritional Supplements

All nutrients are important for healthy development of the body. Silica is highly recommended for strengthening the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder. Magnesium is also helpful as a vital mineral for both the nerves and the muscles controlling the bladder. Calcium acts similarly, and can be taken simultaneously. Children averse to taking capsules can have the capsules opened and stirred into food. Magnesium and calcium are also available in liquid and chewable forms or as a liquid multi-vitamin/mineral formulation. Silica is available in a liquid gel.

Daily dosages, with meals, for children between six and twelve years:

Silica, 3–6 capsules

Magnesium, 250 mg

Calcium, 500 mg

Multivitamin/mineral combination, dosage as suggested.

Bedwetting Herbal Remedies

To strengthen the bladder and soothe anxieties which often cause bedwetting, herbal teas and juices provide effective relief.

For bladder strengthening and improvement, give your child herbal teas of bearberry, wormwood, oak bark or horsetail. Steep 1 tsp. of herbs for half an hour in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 2–3 cups daily, the last one in the early afternoon, for two weeks.

When the bedwetting is due to an emotional problem, try some calming teas made with 1 tsp. valerian, St. John's wort, camomile or yarrow in 1 cup boiling water.

Massage the inner thighs with St. John's wort oil to increase the sensitivity of the bladder sphincter muscle.

Passion fruit juice has a mild sedative and tranquilizing effect. Take 1 tbsp. daily.

Bedwetting Homeopathy

One of the following remedies commonly
prescribed for bedwetting should be used in a
6c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue twice daily until improvement is noticeable, or for up to two weeks.

Causticum is most frequently used when the child wets the bed soon after falling asleep or loses urine when coughing or sneezing. The child is very excitable.

Use Belladonna for children who experience nightmares, wet the bed soon after falling asleep, and sleep restlessly.

Use Equisetum to relieve bedwetting during a dream or nightmare, where the bed becomes soaked. There is a sense of fullness in the bladder.

Choose Kreosotum if the child is in a deep sleep and very difficult to wake, and loses urine soon after falling asleep. Bedwetting occurs during a dream.

Lycopodium is another remedy to consider, especially for bedwetting later in the night. This remedy is most useful for bossy, intelligent children who are shy around strangers and in new situations.

For children who are easily excitable but not fond of sympathy, and wet their bed in the first hours of sleep, use Sepia.

Pulsatilla is a common remedy for sensitive, mild children who prefer cool, open air
and are in constant need of sympathy. It
is useful for many children's complaints, including bedwetting.

Bedwetting Tissue Salts

Take 2 tablets three times daily under the tongue, as necessary for up to two weeks.

Ferr phos is recommended to alleviate bedwetting due to a weakness in the bladder sphincter. This tissue salt works for an acute condition.

Kali phos often helps older children who wet their beds due to nervousness.

Calc phos is useful for younger children who do not assimilate their nutrients well and grow or develop slowly. The child may be restless at night and is difficult to waken.

Bedwetting External/Physical Therapies

Kneipp water treatments, such as water stepping, lower-body and leg washing, and dew walking are excellent for strengthening the bladder.

Outdoor barefoot walking is recommended in summer weather.

The child should not feel chilled and should have adequate footwear, warm socks and warm clothing in cold weather.

Make sure the child gets plenty of outdoor exercise to stimulate circulation and make him or her feel comfortable and warm.

Chiropractic treatments to the lower back are often beneficial, as they control bladder
function.

Acupressure

Use deep thumb pressure to points, as illustrated, every second day until the condition has improved.

Bedwetting Other Suggestions

Deal with the problem actively but patiently, without undue attention. Bedwetting is involuntary—old-fashioned methods of praising, restricting fluids in the afternoon and punishing do not work and perpetuate the problem. Conflicts in the family and undue pressures on the child should be resolved subtly, without teaching the child that bedwetting will get his or her attention and positive results.

Help the child learn to consciously control the bladder muscles consciously. Give the child extra time to use the toilet prior to falling asleep.

Examine the bed and its location for sources of sleep disturbances that contribute to bedwetting, such as strong electromagnetic fields from a computer, or drafts.

Eliminate undue stress and excitement, and adhere to regular mealtimes and periods of rest and sleep.

Bedwetting Available Brand Name Products

Herbal Remedies

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

St. John's Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

St. John's Wort Extract (Nature's Herbs)

Valerian Extract (Nature's Herbs)

Homeopathy

Lycopodium (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Sepia (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Sandalwood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)