It’s 2 am, and you’re jolted awake by a cry from your child’s room. As you flip on the light, the sight of damp pajamas and sheets confirms your worry—another bedwetting accident. If this scene feels all too familiar, you’re not alone. Nocturnal enuresis, the medical term for bedwetting, affects approximately 5-7 million children in the United States.
For countless families, frequent nighttime accidents strain relationships, interrupt sleep, and leave children feeling ashamed or anxious. Conventional wisdom often characterizes bedwetting as a developmental hiccup kids eventually outgrow or a willpower issue resolvable with alarms and reward systems. However, as incidents persist and children get older, the search for answers, explanations, and effective solutions continues in a major way.
At PX Docs, our Neurologically-Focused approach goes deep into the neurophysiological root causes of bedwetting, taking things far beyond limiting hydration and setting wakeup timers, and instead sorting out why the brain and bladder are not communicating properly with each other.
What is Nocturnal Enuresis?
So, what is enuresis? Nocturnal enuresis, more commonly known as bedwetting, is the involuntary release of urine during sleep in children aged 5 and older. It is considered a diagnosable condition when it occurs at least twice a week for three consecutive months. There are two main types of nocturnal enuresis:
- Primary enuresis: The child has never achieved consistent nighttime dryness.
- Secondary enuresis: The child previously had at least 6 months of nighttime dryness but has started wetting the bed again.
While most children achieve nighttime bladder control between the ages of 3 and 5, bedwetting remains a prevalent issue, affecting approximately:
- 20% of children at age 5 and up
- 10% of children at age 7
- Between 1 and 3% of children in their late teens
Additionally, nocturnal enuresis is nearly 3 times more common in boys than girls.
Beyond the physical discomfort and extra laundry, nocturnal enuresis often affects the emotional well-being of both children and parents. Children may feel embarrassed, anxious, or ashamed about their accidents, leading to low self-esteem and social isolation. Meanwhile, parents may experience frustration, exhaustion, and a sense of helplessness as they struggle to find solutions.
The impact on family dynamics can be significant, with disrupted sleep schedules, strained relationships, and limited opportunities for social activities like sleepovers. Recognizing these challenges is crucial for approaching bedwetting with empathy, patience, and a commitment to finding lasting relief.
Conventional Understanding of Causes
Traditionally, nocturnal enuresis has been attributed to a variety of factors, including:
- Small bladder capacity or low production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps concentrate urine overnight
- Deep sleep patterns that make it difficult for children to awaken when their bladder is full
- Stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors that may contribute to accidents
While these explanations offer some insight into potential contributors, they often fail to address the underlying neurological dysfunction that lies at the heart of many bedwetting cases.
The PX Docs Neurological Perspective
At PX Docs, we view nocturnal enuresis through the lens of the nervous system and something called subluxation, or nervous system dysfunction. The nervous system controls every single tissue, cell, and organ system in the body, so when that coordination and control is disrupted or interfered with via subluxation, it can lead to all sorts of issues including bedwetting.
Subluxation and dysautonomia can play significant roles in bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) by affecting the function and regulation of the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls bladder function, and dysautonomia—imbalance in the ANS—can disrupt its ability to properly regulate the muscles and signals related to bladder control. Specifically, subluxation in the lower lumbar or sacral regions can often interfere with nerve communication between the brain and the bladder, leading to poor bladder control during sleep.
Subluxation can cause nervous system dysregulation, leading to increased stress and tension within the ANS. This dysregulation can impair the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches, making it difficult for the body to relax the bladder at the appropriate time. As a result, children may struggle with involuntary urination during sleep. By addressing subluxations and restoring optimal nervous system function through chiropractic adjustments, the nervous system can better regulate bladder control. While not a treatment or cure for enuresis, countless parents report vast or complete improvement once their child’s subluxation and nervous system dysregulation is fully addressed and optimal function restored.
Conventional Treatment Options
Conventional approaches to nocturnal enuresis often focus on behavioral modification and symptom management. Moisture alarms, which awaken children at the first sign of wetness, are commonly used to condition the brain to respond to bladder fullness. While this method can be effective for some children, it does not address the underlying neurological dysfunction.
Medications like desmopressin, which reduces urine production overnight, and oxybutynin, which relaxes bladder muscles, are also frequently prescribed. However, these drugs come with potential side effects and do not provide a lasting solution, as bedwetting often resumes when the medication is stopped.
The PX Docs Solution: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic
At PX Docs, we take a different approach to nocturnal enuresis—one that focuses on identifying and correcting the neurological imbalances at the root of the issue. Our doctors use advanced diagnostic tools, such as INSiGHT Scans, to pinpoint areas of subluxation and dysautonomia that may contribute to bedwetting.
Once these imbalances are identified, we use specific, gentle adjustments to restore proper nerve function and communication between the brain and bladder. By calming sympathetic overactivity and promoting parasympathetic tone, we help children achieve the balanced state necessary for nighttime dryness.
By addressing subluxation, dysautonomia, and nervous system dysregulation, chiropractic care can address the problem of nocturnal enuresis at its core, helping children and families go from struggle and frustration to happiness, joy, and a much higher quality of life!
Supporting Your Child’s Healing
In addition to Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, there are several ways parents can support their child’s journey towards dry nights:
- Reduce stress: Create a calm, supportive environment and encourage open communication about bedwetting to minimize shame or anxiety.
- Ensure quality sleep: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed to promote deep, restorative sleep.
- Consider dietary modifications: Eliminate potential trigger foods, such as dairy or gluten, and ensure adequate hydration during the day to support bladder health.
- Collaborate with other providers: Work with your child’s integrative pediatrician or a nutritionist to address any underlying health issues that may contribute to bedwetting.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and praise your child’s efforts and successes, no matter how small, to build confidence and resilience.
Remember, overcoming nocturnal enuresis is a journey, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. You can help your child navigate this challenging time with grace and resilience by offering unconditional love and support.
Take the Next Step with PX Docs
Nocturnal enuresis is a complex issue that requires a compassionate, holistic approach that focuses on the nervous system. By shifting our focus from symptom management to addressing the neurological root causes of bedwetting, PX Docs offers families a path toward lasting relief and improved overall health.
Our Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, combined with lifestyle modifications and collaborative support, empowers children to overcome bedwetting challenges and reclaim their confidence. With the right tools and guidance, dry nights and celebratory mornings are within reach!
If your child is struggling with nocturnal enuresis, know that you are not alone and that there is hope. Visit the PX Docs directory to find a qualified practitioner near you and take the first step toward a solution. Together, we can help your child unlock their full potential and thrive.
