Why Bedwetting Happens – And How You Can Support Your Child (Naturally)

Oct 22

4 min read

Bedwetting—clinically known as nocturnal enuresis—is extremely common and, in most cases, not a cause for medical concern. Most children naturally outgrow it in time.

According to the children’s continence charity ERIC, around 500,000 children in the UK experience bedwetting. While that figure may be reassuring in terms of how widespread the issue is, it doesn’t take away from the emotional toll it can have on children and families alike.

Parents may feel frustrated or helpless, and children can become embarrassed or ashamed, especially when bedwetting persists beyond early childhood. Sadly, because bedwetting is still considered a taboo subject, it often goes unspoken—even between close friends or family members.

Bedwetting Is Not Your Child’s Fault

It’s important to remember that bedwetting is not a result of laziness or poor behaviour. It’s involuntary and out of the child’s control. Offering reassurance and emotional support during this time can make a real difference. Stress is a known trigger for bedwetting, so creating a calm and understanding home environment is key.

Common Causes of Bedwetting

1. Family History

Bedwetting often runs in families and is more common in boys than girls. Knowing when older siblings or parents outgrew it may provide some reassurance.

2. Stress or Life Changes

Situations such as starting a new school, moving house, or family separation can cause anxiety in children, which in turn may contribute to bedwetting episodes.

3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

If a child who has previously been dry suddenly starts wetting the bed again, a urinary tract infection could be the cause. Other symptoms may include:

Pain or difficulty when urinating
Unusual or strong-smelling urine
Increased thirst.
If you suspect a UTI, it's important to consult your GP.

4. Constipation

Chronic constipation can cause the bowel to press against the bladder, making night-time accidents more likely. Addressing dietary habits and seeking medical advice can help resolve the issue.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

A hormone called vasopressin helps reduce urine production at night. Some children do not produce enough of this hormone, leading to higher nighttime urine output than their bladder can hold. Signs that this could be the cause include:

Frequent wetting (often more than once a night)
Large amounts of urine passed during sleep
Inability to wake before wetting

In some cases, doctors may prescribe a synthetic form of vasopressin. This is typically considered after other interventions have been tried.

6. Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder sends signals to empty before it is full. Signs might include:

Urgency or frequent urination during the day (more than 8 times)
Smaller patches of wetness in bed
The child wakes up after each episode

Could Vitamin B12 Play a Role?

While research is still ongoing, some studies have explored the possible link between Vitamin B12 deficiency and delayed nerve development, which may affect bladder control in certain children. Vitamin B12 supports nervous system function, and low levels can potentially impact how well the brain and bladder communicate.

However, B12 deficiency is relatively rare in children with a balanced diet. If your child is experiencing persistent bedwetting alongside other signs of B12 deficiency (such as fatigue, poor concentration, or numbness/tingling), it's worth speaking with a healthcare professional for further assessment and testing.

What You Can Do to Support Your Child

✅ Encourage Regular Fluid Intake

Ensure your child drinks well throughout the day. Avoiding drinks may seem logical, but it can reduce bladder capacity. Gradually training the bladder to hold more urine may help improve control over time.

❌ Avoid Certain Drinks in the Evening

Reduce or avoid caffeinated, fizzy, or acidic drinks like:

Tea and coffee
Cola or fizzy drinks
Chocolate drinks
Certain fruit juices (e.g. apple juice)

🕒 Establish a Toilet Routine

Encourage regular toilet visits during the day and ensure the bladder is fully emptied before bed. A nightlight or easy access to the bathroom can help children who are hesitant to get up in the dark.

⏰ Consider Bladder Training Tools

ERIC suggests that vibrating watches or scheduled toilet reminders during the day can help encourage regular bathroom habits, and research has shown these tools can support children in reducing daytime accidents.

Can Reflexology Help?

While reflexology is not a medical treatment or cure for bedwetting, many parents find it to be a gentle and supportive complementary therapy.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy where specific pressure points on the feet—known as reflexes—are stimulated. These points are thought to correspond to different parts of the body.

During reflexology sessions, children often feel calm, relaxed, and emotionally supported—factors which can play a part in managing stress or anxiety that may be contributing to bedwetting.

Reflexologists may focus on:

The brain–bladder reflexes
The endocrine system (including hormonal balance)
The nervous system, to support relaxation

While anecdotal reports suggest reflexology can help improve wellbeing and sleep quality, its effects on bedwetting should not be viewed as a guaranteed outcome. Reflexology should always be seen as a complementary approach, not a replacement for medical advice.

Interested in Learning More?

If you're interested in learning how reflexology might support your child, you can book a session with one of our qualified practitioners. We offer both one-to-one sessions and small group classes, where you'll be guided in safe, child-friendly techniques to use at home.

Final Thoughts

Bedwetting is a phase many children go through. With support, reassurance, and practical strategies, most children outgrow it. Whether it's making small lifestyle changes, ruling out medical causes, or exploring complementary approaches like reflexology, there are many ways to navigate this stage with confidence and compassion.

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