Is Bedwetting Hereditary?
Most of the evidence points to a genetic link (i.e. it runs in families). One of the most recent studies we found reported that if both parents were bedwetters, there is a 77% chance that a child of theirs will be. And if one parent was, there is a 44% chance. That’s right in line with our experience – although our experience indicates that the sleep disorder is the inherited trait. The percentages may be even higher than those mentioned above, according to the family histories we have investigated. Bedwetting is only one symptom. Arousal dysfunction involves other characteristic signs and symptoms (i.e. sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep apnea), and we frequently find these characteristics in family members who were not bedwetters.
