By Frank Alex What is ADHD?
According to the NHS, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is “a disorder that affects people’s behaviour. Individuals with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behaviors.ADHD symptoms are typically detected at a young age and may become more obvious as a child’s circumstances change, such as starting school.“Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood.”
Is there any link between ADHD and bedwetting?
ADHD, like bedwetting, appears to run in families. You may question if ADHD affects bladder control.It is unclear why many children with ADHD also suffer from enuresis (bedwetting), while some doctors believe it could be due to a variety of factors. Both diseases have been linked to delays in the development of the nerves and central nervous system, which could explain why children with ADHD are more likely than their peers to be dry at night. Another theory is that youngsters with symptoms of ADHD are more likely to ignore their body’s cues. As a result, they would fail to notice the sensation of a full bladder and would delay taking action.
What do professionals say about ADHD and bedwetting?
According to Dr. Elizabeth Harstad, MD, MPH, developmental delays might contribute to enuresis difficulties in children with ADHD. According to her, when your child grows, their bodies are capable of three important functions: Release enough of a certain chemical at night to assist concentrate their pee. Increase their bladder capacity so that there is enough area to store pee overnight. Recognize when their bladder is becoming full during the night so that they can wake up and use the restroom.
ADHD can cause a delay in these abilities.
The good news is that most cases of bedwetting resolve themselves. “Bedwetting can lower children’s self-esteem. They may blame themselves or be embarrassed by the situation. Other children don’t seem to notice the bedwetting, which can be frustrating for parents and caregivers.
How can I assist my ADHD child manage their bedwetting?
When diagnosing and treating bedwetting, we should treat children with ADHD in the same way that we treat all children. Experts such as Dr. Harstad believe that ADHD does not induce urine incontinence, nor does it appear to cause an overactive bladder. If you’re worried, discuss with your doctor. If you are concerned about your child’s bedwetting, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have discussed medication for your child’s ADHD. Some medications can interact, and you do not want to give your child anything that would exacerbate either illness.
Do whatever works for your youngster.
Your child may exhibit a variety of symptoms of ADHD and bedwetting symptoms that you should be aware of. Of course, this can be a difficult juggling act because you want your child to receive enough of high quality sleep while also managing nighttime accidents. You may need to prioritise some of the symptoms because your child’s attention span is shorter than others. Do not expect to tackle everything at once. If you try to address ADHD-related issues while also assisting your child with bedwetting, they may feel overwhelmed. So, if you’re trying to help your child stay dry at night, take a break from other aspects of their behavior.
Take care of yourself
Caring for a child with ADHD can be difficult, but caring for one who also wets the bed can be even more stressful. Try to prioritise your mental health, seek help from friends and family when needed, and take regular breaks. Your child’s well-being can be influenced by your own, and if you are rested, calm, and confident, you will be better able to deal with their issues. As a result, it is critical to look after your own mental health while assisting your child in dealing with bedwetting.
4 Top Tips for Managing ADHD and Bedwetting
While each child is unique, there are some general, helpful suggestions to remember while dealing with bedwetting and ADHD. Try to follow these ideas consistently for a few weeks to maintain things quiet and stable at home. Your child has a lot to think about, so if you maintain everything the same, they will develop a sense of familiarity, which your child will likely find reassuring.
Tip 1: Limit drinking at night.
Give your child plenty of water during the day, but avoid giving them too much to drink three hours before bedtime. A few mouthfuls in the evening will quench your thirst without filling your bladder.
Tip #2: Offer a snack before bedtime.
A full stomach before bedtime does not help anyone feel comfortable. Give your child their evening meal early, and then offer a snack before bedtime. Check out our helpful guide on which foods can help or harm bedwetting.
Tip 3: Avoid caffeine.
Do not offer your child coffee, tea, cola, or any other caffeine-containing drinks or foods, as caffeine can irritate the bladder and act as a diuretic.
Tip #4: Provide reassurance
A child with ADHD, like any other youngster, requires reassurance that this phase will pass and that they will learn to keep dry at night. The best thing you can do is help your child with ADHD and bedwetting. ADHD and bedwetting can be difficult for any parent and child, but both are manageable. In all honesty, your assistance is one of the most critical components in guiding your child through the bedwetting phase.
