Are you drinking enough water?
It’s common to think that cutting down on the amount of drinks you have during the day will mean there will be less wee inside your bladder at night time - and therefore, easier to keep your bed dry at night. It kind of seems to make sense, doesn’t it?
But did you know that the complete opposite could be the key to solving this problem for good?
What do the experts say?
Doctors and health professionals tell us that constipation is a leading cause of bedwetting issues. It’s thought that a heavy overloaded bowel rests against the bladder at night time, forcing it to expel liquid without giving you adequate notice that it needs a wee.
Don’t dehydrate
Reducing the amount of drinks you have during the day can lead to dehydration and guess what, dehydration is a major cause of constipation. So you could be making the problem worse - and not better.
Sticking to plain water is going to be much better for you than sweet, fizzy drinks or those that are caffeinated, so try this for the next few weeks and see how you get on.
How much water should I drink?
Ideally you should aim to consume at least 1.75 litres (around 60 fl oz or ) from around the age of 8 years. And if you’re a teenager then you should be aiming for more - around 2.5 litres (85 fl oz) or even closer to 3 litres a day if you regularly exercise, train or go to the gym.
Start early in the morning with around 50mls at 8am and then another 50mls at 11am, followed by another at 1pm and then again at 3pm - and so on.
I recommend having a water bottle with you all day long – that way you can’t forget to keep drinking.
About the Author
Alicia Eaton is a Behaviour Change Psychotherapist based in London's Harley Street for over 20 years, working with families, supporting both adults and children, helping to tackle difficult problems such as anxiety, bedwetting, eating and weight issues. She also offers advice and training to schools, teachers, clinicians and professionals working with children.
Alicia is the author of several best-selling books including ‘Stop Bedwetting in 7 Days’, recommended by NHS hospital clinics and ‘First Aid for your Child’s Mind', now published around the world in seven different languages.
Her latest book ‘Mind How your Kids Eat’ gives psychological insights into how our children learn to eat and what to do about food fussiness, sensory sensitivities, ARFID, junk food cravings and weight issues.
