Bed wetting is a common problem among children. Wetting past the age of 4-5 years is known as eneuresis-the action of involuntary urination during day or night in clothing or in bed. Eneuresis runs in families and in some cases, it may persist till the age of 15.

Causes ::
Physiological : Children who sleep more between the age of 1-2 years and children who are toilet trained late in life attain weaker bladder control. Organic: Diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, constipation, neurological dysfunctions, etc. Psychological: Excess of discipline in the family, undue comparison, indifference and other emotional shocks. Punishment in school, teasing and bullying by peers, criticism by teacher, etc.

Prevention & treatment ::
Stop worrying, children eventually outgrow bed-wetting. Treatment of the underlying organic cause may be needed. Restrict fluid intake one hour before bedtime and train the child to pass urine at night before sleeping. Make children more responsible-make them change the wet sheets. Reward the child for dry night. Should the problem persist, consult your doctor.