Is bedwetting a sleep disorder?
Yes – for the majority of patients, but not for all. There are five recognized forms of enuresis depending on the most probable cause. Three of them are related to sleep disorders. One form, called “primary” enuresis (since birth), is caused by the immaturity of sleep mechanisms in the brain. The other two forms of bedwetting in sleep are related to the mild dysfunctions of endocrine or central nervous system. The other two forms of urinary incontinence are caused by significant “organic” (structural) pathology in nervous system or in the urinary bladder (for example, genetic defects or infections). It is advisable to have a general medical examination to rule out organic causes of bedwetting.
