bedwetting

In medicine, the involuntary passing of urine during sleep. It occurs most commonly in children and it is usually due to inadequate bladder training or a psychological disorder.

Most children gain full control of bladder function by the age of three years but this can occur much later in a few children. Treatment should consist of ensuring the condition is not due to an organic cause, such as a urinary tract infection. The child should be given reassurance and further bladder training. An alarm system which wakes the child if urine is being passed may also be useful. Drugs can be used if these measures fail but their long-term use is not recommended due to the occurrence of adverse effects.