Bedwetting is a relatively common problem among young children, and even some older kids experience it. This can be an annoying and potentially embarrassing issue for your young one. While there are several possible reasons for bedwetting, one that sometimes gets overlooked is sleep apnea. What is the connection between these problems? Continue reading below to find out.
How Sleep Apnea Contributes to Bedwetting
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for brief periods during sleep. When a child experiences frequent pauses in breathing, the brain must repeatedly rouse the body to resume normal respiration. This interruption in the sleep cycle can prevent the child from reaching the deep stages of sleep that are essential for healthy bodily functions.
There are several ways in which sleep apnea may be linked to bedwetting:
- Disrupted sleep cycles: Frequent awakenings limit the body’s ability to maintain healthy control over bladder function during the night. The brain may not receive the signal to wake the child in time when the bladder is full.
- Increased urine production: Sleep apnea can cause the body to release a hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide, which increases urine production at night. This excess urine can overwhelm the bladder’s capacity, resulting in bedwetting.
- Stress on the body: The repeated strain of interrupted breathing puts stress on the heart and other organs, which can further contribute to nighttime accidents.
Parents may notice other signs of sleep apnea in their child besides bedwetting, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime sleepiness, behavioral problems, or difficulty concentrating in school. If these symptoms are present, it is important to discuss them with a qualified healthcare provider.
Potential Solutions for Drier Nights
Addressing both bedwetting and sleep apnea often requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some steps that may help your child achieve drier nights and better sleep quality:
- Evaluate for sleep apnea: A pediatrician or sleep specialist can assess your child’s symptoms and may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treat underlying causes: If enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a lip or tongue tie, are causing airway blockage, a surgical procedure to address the issue may be suggested.
- Explore other potential treatments: Some kids benefit from a special oral appliance designed by a dentist to keep their airway open. Lifestyle adjustments, such as modest weight loss, might also be helpful.
- Encourage healthy sleep habits: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, ensuring the bedroom is quiet and comfortable, and limiting sugar in the evening can all help promote better sleep.
- Monitor fluid intake: Encourage your child to drink more fluids earlier in the day and reduce intake in the hour or two before bedtime.
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrate dry nights and encourage your child without punishment or shame. Many children outgrow bedwetting with time, especially when medical concerns like sleep apnea are properly managed.
Sleep apnea might be the culprit behind your child’s bedwetting! If you suspect it is at play in your child’s situation, talk to a qualified healthcare provider today.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Matt Strumpf is a highly experience and extensively trained pediatric dentist in Inver Grove Heights. He and our team offer a few different treatments for sleep apnea in kids, including oral appliance therapies and laser treatment of lip and tongue ties. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve your family, contact Mighty Molars at 651-450-6111.