The effect of using entertainment and communication devices before sleep on nocturnal enuresis.

BACKGROUND: Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is a common urological problem. The association between the use of entertainment and communication devices (EECDs) at night and enuresis in MNE patients has yet to be reported in literature. This study aims to determine if an association exists between the use of EECDs before sleep and nocturnal enuresis.

METHODS: Patients with MNE who presented to the Pediatric Nephrology Department of the center between January 30, 2019 and June 30, 2019 were included in the study. A questionnaire was applied both to the patients and to an age and sex-matched control group to garner details of sleeping features and duration of exposure to EECDs before sleep. A comparison was then made of the answers provided by the patient and control groups.

RESULTS: The study included in 138 patients (65 female; 73 male) and 104 controls (44 female; 60 male). The patients who used EECDs for more than 3 hours a day before sleep suffered more frequently from bedwetting than those who used EECDs for fewer than 3 hours a day (P=0.007). The time of exposure to EECDs before sleep in the patient group was longer than in the control group (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The use of EECDs for more than three hours before sleep is associated with bedwetting and enuresis frequency in patients with MNE. Patients suffering from MNE should be advised not to use EECDs before sleep.