Drinking more increases the success of bedwetting treatment

Yes, you read that right, the more the child drinks, the faster the treatment will be effective. A recent study in Russia suggests that children who drink more before bedtime while using a bedwetting alarm will have significantly greater success with toilet training. This often runs counter to family practices, which often intentionally restrict children's fluid intake, especially in the evening. Experts hypothesize that more intensive use of the alarm system may accelerate the development of the conditioned arousal response caused by the urge to urinate. The study was carried out on 294 children, with an average age of 11.3 years, divided into 2 groups: Group A: Children used the alarm with normal and controlled fluid intake in the evening, Group B: Children drank water immediately before going to sleep. The volume was 4-5ml/kg, which corresponds to 20-25 cl (a large glass of water) for a child weighing about 45 kg. Effectiveness was measured by the frequency of bedwetting episodes per week and spontaneous awakening episodes related to the urge to urinate. The total length of time the alarm was used was not recorded. Results were analyzed after only two weeks of treatment with an alarm. The results are unexpected: 24% in group A Compared to 39% in group B. This difference was statistically significant and shows an improvement in outcomes when increased fluid intake is used in combination with bedwetting alarm treatment. Kid Medical therefore recommends that parents do not limit their child's water consumption while undergoing treatment. However, we always advise against carbonated and/or sugary drinks. It is also good to remember that a child undergoing treatment must go to the toilet at least 4 to 5 times a day. Drinking more forces the child to train his bladder more and makes him want to wake up because of a full bladder. He will therefore go to the toilet more easily to empty his bladder.