New survey highlights effect of bedwetting on children

A new survey conducted on behalf of Bedwetting.ie among parents of children aged five and over has revealed that 44% of children who wet the bed have low self-esteem as a direct result. The survey also highlighted that 44% of parents were not aware that bedwetting is a treatable medical condition. Bedwetting affects an estimated 46,000 Irish children over the age of five. The results of the survey were launched last week as part of the 'No More Nappies' campaign by bedwetting.ie with the support of Clinical Psychologist, David Coleman who specialises in working with children, teenagers and their families. There are various treatment options available for bedwetting, however 58% of those surveyed said that nappies were the main source of treatment for their child. Further outcomes from the survey demonstrated: - 67% said their child would not stay over at a friend's house as a result of bedwetting. - 41% said their child won't have friends over to stay as a result of bedwetting. - 58% had a child who wet the bed at least once a week. The survey also highlighted the effect that bedwetting has on parents. 72% of respondents said their sleeping pattern was affected by their child's bedwetting with 21% stating that the lack of sleep affected their work life; 17% said it affected their sex life and 11% said it affected their social life. Speaking at the launch, Clinical Psychologist David Coleman said: "If left untreated, bedwetting can be a distressing condition for your child. Putting them in nappies, or pull-ups, and hoping that the problem will disappear is not the best way to address the issue and could lead to your child suffering from low self-esteem as a result. Lifestyle choices such as ensuring your child goes to the toilet before bed and reducing acidic or caffeine drinks before bedtime may help considerably. It can also really help to talk to your GP because there are medical treatments that you can consider too. For further advice and information on bedwetting log on to bedwetting.ie." www.bedwetting.ie features a range of information on bedwetting including a detailed questionnaire for parents to fill in and bring to their GP in order to help determine whether their child needs further treatment. The new and improved site also hosts bedwetting statistics and a 'Dry Nights Diary' in order for parents to keep a close eye on any patterns that may be emerging; this information can be of great help when visiting your GP. Bedwetting usually occurs when children produce a large amount of fluid at night; this is caused by low night time levels of the vasopressin hormone. Most children who wet the bed have a normal bladder, but some have a smaller capacity to retain urine. Children who wet the bed do not wake to the signals the bladder sends when it is full. For further information on bedwetting, speak to your GP or visit www.bedwetting.ie