Hammock Camping = More Bathroom Breaks?

[Surfdog]

Glad I found this thread, because I was wondering WTH was going on with me... lol

Just started hammock camping this summer. The first time camping was in July and I did not get up during the night. The second time was earlier this month with the lows in the mid 40's and I found myself getting up 4 times during the night, both nights.

Just got back from a hang where the low got to 41 and I had to get up 5 times the first night and 4 the second. I don't usually have to get up during the night when sleeping at home so I was getting a little perplexed at the frequency of night time bathroom breaks.

It would appear that, at least for me, temperature may be a factor so I will plan on getting a warmer TQ and BQ.
I want to try some winter camping but getting up 4 or 5 times in the middle of the night when it's below freezing is not my idea of a good time so I will have to work towards a solution, and more warmth sounds like a good place to start.

[Aosrax]

I think it's just more noticeable when I'm camping because I'm working hard not to dehydrate.

[Papa Tac]

Okay, now do it with the light out so it is completely black. So you need a flashlight. But if you use a flash light, you need one hand to hold the light, one hand to hold the bottle and one hand to ... so not enough hands ...

That's why you shoud always hammock with a friend...


I go 2-3 times a night - home, hammock or tent.
Haven't tried the (WIDEmouth) bottle trick yet, I just accept the bracing night air, and seem to fall back to sleep easily enough.

[bkrgi]

I suspect as well it has to do with legs slightly elevated and fluids draining back....Along the lines of mild Edema

[Derizen]

I pee more at night while camping than while at home, but it seems to be because I'm colder and I'm more hydrated. I haven't seen any difference between when I camp on the ground vs. hammock camping.

[Pretbek]

Ya know what, I think for me it is the lying on my back.

In a bed I am a side sleeper, in a hammock I sleep on my back.

Several times I have noticed that when I wake up in my bed in the morning and turn to my back, I suddenly have a much stronger need to pee. When I turn on my side again, that feeling goes away.

I'm not discounting any other possible contributing factors like temperature, hydration, excitement, and bear sounds in the distance, but a major and demonstrable factor for me is lying on my back vs. on my side.

Hang your own hang, pee your... ah, never mind.

[Dedicated Hanger]

I keep getting up at night to check on the status of all the hammock gear I have ordered.... It is this strange addiction that consumes my waking and sleeping hours. Need to buy more gear...need to buy more gear...

[DENMONKEY]

When I camp I drink, when I drink I wee . I like being able to roll over and flop it over the side and let rip. Back to sleep in no time flat. Just watch where you leave your shoes and where you step in the morning getting out. The beer froth usually give it away. Not good in warmer weather though... Stinky

[Jake2c]

I would vote for being hydrated and possibly cooler? I have slept at home with my legs elevated with no difference that I remember. When I am cool though, tent or hammock, I go more often.

[gunner76]

Just got back from a hang where the low got to 41 and I had to get up 5 times the first night and 4 the second. I don't usually have to get up during the night when sleeping at home so I was getting a little perplexed at the frequency of night time bathroom breaks.

You can join PappyAmos as he has to get up several times a night too. Me, I try to go before just before I get into the hammock and most nights I make it until morning. Of course I also have a strong bladder.