The hand in warm water trick

[Bruce]

I assume that most people are aware of the practical joke in which you put a sleeping person's hand in warm water. In case you don't, this causes the person to urinate in his sleep.

I have friends who have played this joke and it appears to work. How? What connection is there between a warm, wet hand that triggers the brain into thinking that it's ok to urinate? Is this just one of those fastinating mysteries of life?

[Mahatma Kane Jeeves]

This is what the Straight Dope has to say (probably the only place that will take on the subject!):

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_027.html

Unless the hand is out of the covers and immediately accessable, seems to me the person would awaken. Wouldn't you?

[jasonmccoy]

Originally posted by Bruce
I assume that most people are aware of the practical joke in which you put a sleeping person's hand in warm water. In case you don't, this causes the person to urinate in his sleep.

I have friends who have played this joke and it appears to work. How? What connection is there between a warm, wet hand that triggers the brain into thinking that it's ok to urinate? Is this just one of those fastinating mysteries of life?

This is likely happening while the sleeper is in "active sleep or REM sleep." During which, the brain is still "open for business" so to speak. For example, people often respond verbally to questioning, exhibit emotional facial expressions, and get erections during this most paradoxical of stages. However, I would bet that if you were to try this on a sleeper in either stage 3 or 4 (known as delta wave or quite sleep) the result would be different. It is in these two stages that neuroscientists believe humans loose consciouness completely (even core consciousness, which consists of low-level attention, background emotion, and a brief memory, Damasio, The Feeling of What Happens).


However, I could be wrong! As most of us already know, even those in coma can get "goose flesh." Likewise, the act of urination can be elicited consciously and nonconsciously. As with most reflexive processes, the brain is not a necessary part of the response.


Did any of this make sense?

[Soapy Sam]

I remember hearing this story many times at Scout camps etc as a kid. It was one of those " I knew someone who did this" things.
I have still never actually seen it done. Anyone out there who has?

As far as noises go, I can corroborate that. Last Summer, the neighbours of She Who Must Be Obeyed installed a "water feature" in their front garden.: a small electric pump recirculating water over some pebbles.
I scarcely noticed it, but I did notice that every time I arrived, my first, less than romantic impulse, was to sprint to the loo. It was months before (Sorry) the penny dropped. They turned it off for Winter and the problem vanished. I'm dreading the approach of Spring. And no helpful advice, please. My prostate is just fine. I may try earplugs though.

[ScottDYelich]

(1) this is a autonomous biological reaction... ie: somehow it's tied to being in the womb and the non-need for conscious control of preventative function

or perhaps

(2) if one is lucid, when dreaming, they will recognize the situation and actually be able to deal with it.

perhaps an experiment is in order? :->

Scott

[CelandineWood]

All I can add is that I badly burnt a fingertip once in sugar syrup (fingertip burns seem to be the most painful!) and it hurt so badly I went to sleep with my hand in a bowl of water. No, I didn't wee in my sleep. :o

[Denise]

I confess that I have tried the trick at slumber parties. I've never seen it work. I've only tried it about 3 times, but that's my experience.

[Larspeart]

It does indeed work, though I haven't the slightest idea why. I think if someone was to be in stage 1 or 2 sleep, they would be concious enough to wake up, smack the person, and then go to the bathroom.

I did it to a buddy when I was in middle school. Oh what fun. Oh, and no, he didn't wake up for a good ten minutes afterwards, so you are sleeping pretty deeply I would gander.


/shrug

[QuarkChild]

As far as noises go, I can corroborate that. Last Summer, the neighbours of She Who Must Be Obeyed installed a "water feature" in their front garden.: a small electric pump recirculating water over some pebbles.
I'm OK with fountains, but I can't step into a shower without using the toilet first. The few times in my life that I've tried, thinking "I don't really have to urinate, surely I'll be OK if I skip that ritual this time," I've had to immediately step out again...

I've wondered on occasion whether it was just me, or does everyone use the toilet before showering?

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by QuarkChild
.....I can't step into a shower without using the toilet first. The few times in my life that I've tried, thinking "I don't really have to urinate, surely I'll be OK if I skip that ritual this time," I've had to immediately step out again.....YOU DON'T URINATE IN THE SHOWER????

:) Truely one of life's little pleasures! :)

[BillyJoe]

BTW, I wonder if this is true only for males.

If it is, I think I can think of a reason why having something warm in the hand could be associated with the act of urination. ;)

Another thought: Does it matter which hand..... :cool:

[QuarkChild]

YOU DON'T URINATE IN THE SHOWER????

Remind me never to use your shower.

[SpaceLord]

I dunno bout anyone else, but I almost always have to pee when I get home. As soon as I step through the door, I feel the urge to go, even if I was fine before I walked in. Strange, that.

[The Whether Man]

Maybe it's your subconcious telling you to mark out you territory. :D

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by QuarkChild
Remind me never to use your shower. YOU DON'T LIKE TO BE UNRINATED ON???

QuarkChild where have you been?

[Shane Costello]

This works best when the victim is in a drunken stupor, presumably due to a full bladder. One (sober) friend of mine tried it out on another (smashed) friend at a party, and thoughtfully took a picture of the results.

[luvtinayothers]

Whenever I'm at a bookstore browsing through books I gotta pee.
It's really weird. Only bookstores.