Hi Belinda – bedwetting can result from a number of factors with the three most common causes being (1) an overproduction of urine overnight – children who have low-levels of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) produce four times the amount of urine as those who have the hormone and are therefore at a greater likelihood of exceeding their bladder capacity overnight. If this is the cause children generally stop wetting their bed when their ADH levels return to normal; (2) Difficulty arousing from sleep in response to a full-bladder – these children are unable to detect the signals sent from their baldder to their brain telling it it is full and needs emptying. These children will stop wetting when their body matures to a point where they can wake-up in response to their full bladder; and (3) a genetic disposition – children who wet the bed are more likely to have a family member who also wet the bed as a child. So while heavy sleeping is not a cause per say, it certainly can contribute to the situation. Given your daughter’s age I would recommend that you have her checked by your GP – if her bedwetting is bothering her you may also want to consider introducing some for of treatment. You should discuss your options when you meet with you GP. All the best!

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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