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Dr Catherine
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Girl
8-15 years

Could my daughters bed wetting be a sleep disorder?

In a small number of cases bedwetting can be the result of sleep apnea. Children who suffer from sleep apnea find it more difficult to breath while asleep, this demands the brain to work harder to take in oxygen impacting negatively on other bodily functions such as bladder control. In some instances sleep apnea can be the result of enlarged tonsils or adenoids so it would be worth following this up with your GP. It is not unusual for children to stop wetting the bed once these are removed. It is only when bedwetting is a symptom of sleep apnea that removal of the tonsils helps children to achieve nighttime continence. All the best. Kind Regards, Dr Cathrine