human in hammock physiology

**GrizzlyAdams** · 10-10-2007, 10:28

I was out in my hammock last night, and was reminded then of one of the great mysteries (to me) of sleeping in a hammock.

I gotta pee at 2 a.m., and at 5 a.m., and I can set my watch by it.
Back when I slept on the ground there would be one outting in the middle of the night, closer to 4 a.m.

Sleeping indoors I'm under the covers by midnight, and out again about 6:30, with no need to visit the water closet in between. I sleep right though. The first stop in the morning is a doozy though.

I have a theory. Being in the hammock I'm more exposed to temperature changes. I wake in response to these changes, and am reminded of nature's call. Once awake that call is hard to ignore.

so am I weird? Wait, no, I mean, do others have similar responses to hammock life?

Grizz

**sk8rs_dad** · 10-10-2007, 10:50

It's called cold diuresis and it a natural response to hypothermia.

Quoting a NASA article:

Cold Diuresis - A condition where the surface blood vessels constrict in response to cold. This constriction causes greater volume pressure in the bloodstream which is detected by the kidneys. The kidneys will "pull off" the excess fluid to reduce the pressure. The kidneys then excrete the fluid, causing the bladder to fill. This is one way in which the body protects the amount of heat lost at the surface.

**headchange4u** · 10-10-2007, 10:55

This is an interesting subject and it has been touched on here in the past.

I have always had the same thing happen to me while camping, be it a hammock or tent. I think the reason is just as you said. You wake up for different reasons like temps, noises in the night or just sleeping in a strange place besides your bed at home. Once you wake, nature will force you to take care of business.

I always hated getting in my HH, getting the pad situated under me, and then getting zipped up all snuggly inside my sleeping bag, all settled down for the night and then.....crap, I gotta go water the plants.

There was a thread started here that discussed using a bottle for those late night bathroom breaks and some talk of running a "drain hose" out of the hammock so you wouldn't have to even get up.

**Rapt** · 10-10-2007, 10:56

Its also a ***** during cold motorcycle rides...

The meaning is you need a warmer sleeping set-up so your body doesn't feel so stressed.

Even if you aren't feeling cold your body may be burning more calories to stay comfortable, which means more metabolic by-products and more need to get rid of them...

Either way I'd say it means you aren't as warm as you could be and still be comfortable...

But more restless sleep will also trigger a greater awareness of the need. So maybe its a bit of both if you aren't used to the other sleeping conditions.

**headchange4u** · 10-10-2007, 11:02

Here's the very funny thread about those late night trips.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 10-10-2007, 11:16

Originally Posted by sk8rs_dad

It's called cold diuresis and it a natural response to hypothermia.

Quoting a NASA article:

Cold Diuresis - A condition where the surface blood vessels constrict in response to cold. This constriction causes greater volume pressure in the bloodstream which is detected by the kidneys. The kidneys will "pull off" the excess fluid to reduce the pressure. The kidneys then excrete the fluid, causing the bladder to fill. This is one way in which the body protects the amount of heat lost at the surface.

guess that makes me what you'd call a cold sleeper. Very cold!

But the comments about the body working harder to stay warm, even if I don't immediately feel it makes a lot of sense. Suppose I can take a tax write off for the cost of a new fatter down quilt for medical reasons?

Grizz

**NCPatrick** · 10-10-2007, 11:20

Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

Suppose I can take a tax write off for the cost of a new fatter down quilt for medical reasons?

Grizz

If you find out you can, be sure to post that here!

**sk8rs_dad** · 10-10-2007, 11:27

Originally Posted by headchange4u

There was a thread started here that discussed using a bottle for those late night bathroom breaks and some talk of running a "drain hose" out of the hammock so you wouldn't have to even get up.

Google "Disposable Urinal Bag"

**rasputen** · 10-10-2007, 13:41

Take 25mg of benadryl 1 hour prior to turning in for the night. If that doesn't work try 50mg. I have been doing this when camping for years and it works and no hangover feeling in the morning. Better sleep= more refreshed in the a.m. and less, to no trips out of the hammock. Works for me.....

Most folks don't sleep all that well the first few nights when camping because its a strange place, the natural sounds of the woods and other factors.

Disclaimer: Disregard above post if you are allergic to benadryl!