How can you treat bed wetting?

This question was asked in Charlottesville, Virginia on 07/19/2013.
I now have custody of my grandson who has never been consistently dry. He seems to sleep so deeply he does not realize when it happens. He was examined by a local Dr. and she seemed to find no problems. I now get him up every three hours and sometimes he is dry sometimes not. I have asked him not to have sugar or anything to drink after 9:00pm. This seems to work but not consistently.I have done this now since Feb.15th. Sometimes he is wet twice. The Dr. who examined him said there was a pill available at $300.00 a month (we do not want to use pills at all). Alarm was used, not working. He heard alarm but was too tired to get up. His parents have never gotten up with him. I have been getting up with him every night since Feb 15th. The only time he is not congenial is when he is really tired. It has affected his school work and his self worth. He does go to friends houses and spends the night, but stays up practically all night. No REM sleep.

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Doctors Answers (3)

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 7/23/2013

Bed wetting (enuresis) is very common, often runs in families, is more common in boys and almost always disappears as the bladder sphincter matures. However, while it is an issue, it can be very distressing to the child who has no control over the problem. You are being very patient and helpful. Any approach other than being understanding is wrong. Some medications are helpful and they don't cost $300 a month. Medication is worth a trial and is far less an issue than not at least trying them for his sake. He will never forget your being understanding.

Jeannine Louise Gingras, MD
Answered on: 7/23/2013

What is the age of your grandson?

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 7/23/2013

The first steps for eliminating bed wetting are limiting fluids, getting up on schedule and alarms. A physician can refer you to a sleep center specializing in children. As you mentioned, medications are available. Some parents have the child write notes to oneself reminding them to get up during the night and prior to sleep onset the child can focus on not wetting the bed during the night. At SomnoDiagnostics, we do not specialize in children.