How to stop bedwetting for children: National Bed Wetting Awareness Day

Almost 11,000 children in Kent are not dry at night by the time they start school, according to the results of new research.

The report also reveals that 46% of 2,000 mums and dads asked nationally, admitted that their children are still wetting the bed by the time they enter reception year - but only a fraction (9%) said they would be confident enough to discuss it with family and friends.

The survey was commissioned to coincide with National Bed Wetting Awareness Day which takes place today (Tuesday, May 24).

While the likelihood of children wetting the bed decreases as they get older, for children over the age of five it can be considered a medical condition, known as Nocturnal Enuresis, which may require support or treatment.

Incontinence while sleeping is thought to affect approximately half a million children between the ages of five and 16 with around one in 100 people continuing to wet the bed into adulthood.

While the causes of bed wetting are not entirely understood, it is considered to be a symptom that may result from a combination of different factors such as bladder problems, excessive urine production, difficulties waking up during the night, underlying health conditions and emotional problems.

The research also found that one in five (21%) parents believe their children would try to hide their bed wetting to avoid personal embarrassment, with this raising to 26% for children aged 15-18 years.

As part of the research the long-term effects of the condition were also examined and the results found that the condition can prevent children from going on school trips or sleepovers, affect their confidence at school and impact on academic development.

Pediatrician June Rogers explained: "Because parents don't chat about it with other parents, they think their child is the only one, but we do know it's a very common problem.

"Help and advice and support is available and that's one of the key issues of the campaign to raise awareness, so parents are aware it is a medical problem and it is not the child's fault."

More information at www.worldbedwettingday.com