Bed Wetting in Children: Understanding the Nervous System Connection
Bed wetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common challenge that affects many children and can be stressful for families. While often seen as just a developmental phase, recent research, including the work of renowned chiropractor and neuroscientist Dr. Heidi Haavik, shows there’s much more going on beneath the surface.
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we focus on the nervous system’s role in bed wetting and offer natural, supportive care to help children regain control and confidence.
What Is Bed Wetting?
Bed wetting is involuntary urination during sleep in children old enough to have bladder control. It can happen:
Occasionally or frequently
During deep sleep phases when the child doesn’t wake to the bladder signal
As a result of bladder muscle control issues or neurological delay
Though common, it can impact a child’s self-esteem and family dynamics.
The Nervous System’s Role in Bed Wetting
Dr. Heidi Haavik’s research highlights how the nervous system, particularly the brainstem and spinal cord, plays a critical role in bladder control. When communication between the brain and bladder muscles is disrupted, the signals that tell the body to hold urine or wake up may not function properly.
Key points include:
Neurological interference (often caused by spinal subluxations or misalignments) can impair nerve signals to and from the bladder.
The brainstem, a critical nervous system hub, regulates many automatic functions, including bladder control.
Nervous system imbalances may delay the development of bladder control or affect the child’s ability to wake in response to a full bladder.
This research helps us understand that bed wetting is rarely “just behavioural” and often linked to underlying nervous system challenges.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we use advanced nervous system assessments to identify areas of interference affecting bladder control.
Our gentle chiropractic adjustments aim to:
Improve nervous system communication between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder
Reduce neurological tension that may affect bladder muscle function
Support brainstem regulation of automatic bodily functions
Enhance overall nervous system balance and coordination
Many families report improvements in bed wetting frequency and better overall nervous system function after chiropractic care.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Alongside chiropractic care, here are ways you can help your child:
Limit fluids before bedtime without causing dehydration
Establish a calming bedtime routine to reduce stress
Encourage regular daytime bathroom breaks to build bladder habits
Use positive reinforcement to support confidence and reduce anxiety around bed wetting
Remember, bed wetting is not your child’s fault. It’s a sign their nervous system may need extra support.
A Nervous System First Approach to Bed Wetting
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we honour the important research of Dr. Heidi Haavik and others who highlight the nervous system’s central role in conditions like bed wetting.
Our goal is to help your child regain control, boost their confidence, and support your whole family with compassionate, effective care.
Ready to explore a natural way to help your child with bed wetting?
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward nervous system balance and lasting change.
