Causes and Treatments of Childhood Bedwetting

4. Constipation

A child who is constipated may wet the bed due to an increase in pressure on the bladder from fecal matter in the digestive tract. Full bowels press on the bladder, causing contractions during activities such as walking or sleep. Bennett says, “This is the one that's hiding in the background. Once kids are toilet trained, parents often don't know how often a child is going, they are out of the 'poop loop.’” Increasing a child’s dietary fiber can help alleviate constipation.

3. Treatment

Kryger states that the best way to reduce the risk of bedwetting is to avoid drinking fluids one hour before bedtime. Another useful method is to reduce caffeine intakes such as in soda or energy drinks. Kryger also recommends cutting back on eating food too late at night, so the bowel does not feel full and press on the bladder during sleep. Allowing for proper time to have a bowel movement during the day is an important part of alleviating constipation.