Enuresis is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which staying dry at night can be reasonably expected. There are two types of enuresis, including nocturnal enuresis and diurnal enuresis. Nocturnal enuresis, or bed-wetting at night, is the most common type of elimination disorder. Daytime wetting is called diurnal enuresis. Some children experience either or a combination of both. The condition is not diagnosed unless the child is 5 years or older. Although it is often just a normal part of a child’s development, bed-wetting before after age 7 is a concern. Most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own but others may need a little help to do it. In cases where it persist,  bed-wetting may be a sign of an underlying condition requiring medical attention.

Enuresis may be influenced by one or more of the following factors. First, having a small bladder that is unable to  hold urine produced during the night. Secondly, this condition may be as a result of inability to recognize a full bladder. This is where the nerves that control the bladder are slow to mature and awaken the child if he or she is asleep. Moreover, insuficient production of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) to slow nighttime urine production may cause bed-wetting. The other possible cause is a urinary tract infection infection, which can make it difficult for the child to control urination. Sometimes bed-wetting is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.

Bed-wetting can affect anyone, but it’s twice as common in boys as in girls. Stressful events such as being a big brother or sister, starting a new school, or sleeping away from home may trigger bed-wetting. Also, children born by parents who were wetting their beds when young can increase enuresis risk. Harvard