Wanted: a good night's sleep

Bedwetting can rob your child – and you – of a good night's sleep. Younger children may wake up frequently during the night because of bedwetting. This wakes up parents and other family members. The ringing of a bedwetting alarm can also interrupt the family's sleep. So what's a parent to do? Here are a few ways to help everyone in your family get their rest.

Seek treatment for bedwetting. There are a variety of treatments available for bedwetting, including medications, alarms, and behaviour training. Talk to your child's doctor about the treatment options that may be right for your child. This can help everyone in the family enjoy a better night's sleep.

Get your family into a routine. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help you sleep better. Help your family get into a sleep routine by setting bedtimes and wake-up times that are appropriate to your child's age and school schedule. Speak to your doctor for more information on an appropriate sleep schedule for your child.

Make the bedroom a place for sleep. Keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Make sure your window coverings block out unwanted light, and use a fan or a white noise machine if background noises are a problem. Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or watching TV in bed.

If you have been trying to sleep for at least half an hour, get up and do something quiet, such as reading, for about 20 minutes. Then go back to bed and try to fall asleep again. Lying in bed and worrying about falling asleep will just keep you awake.

Worrying about tomorrow? Take an extra half hour in the evening to set out everything your family will need the next morning. Get the coffee maker ready, plan your outfits for the next day, and ask the kids to pack their school supplies. This will help with the morning rush.

Have your child empty their bladder before bedtime, and make sure it's easy for them to get up in the night to use the washroom. You may need to add night lights in the hallway or move your child closer to the bathroom.

Make sure your child doesn’t drink too much fluid before bedtime. If they get thirsty, give them sips of water instead of a full glass. Avoid caffeinated beverages before bed as your child may have trouble sleeping and may need to go to the bathroom more often.

By following these tips, you're well on your way to helping your family get the sleep they need during back-to-school time. Contact your doctor if anyone in your family is having frequent sleep problems.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Bedwetting-Back-to-School