Why Do I Shiver When I Pee? Scientists Have Worked Out Why...

Scientists have finally worked out why some shudder in the loo (Image: GETTY [stock image])

And the answer seems to be a confusion between signals in the Autonomic Nervous System which oversees the process of urination and controls many other automatic bodily functions, such as temperature and heartbeat.

When we urinate is usually a conscious decision, but only to a point – beyond that point of no return urination is largely governed by two parts of the ANS, called the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

When the body is given the green light to pee receptors in the bladder wall detect the bladder stretching and activate a set of nerves in the spinal cord called the sacral nerves.

These trigger the PNS into action, which causes the muscular bladder wall to contract, preparing it to push urine out of the body.

• Diabetes type 2 warning - how many times a day should you pee?
• Bladder cancer symptoms: Four signs of the condition

Dr Simon Fulford, a consultant urologist at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough told science website Live Science the autonomic process works like an on-off switch, suppressing the instructive nerve reflexes while the bladder is still filling up, but "stimulating those reflexes to act when the bladder is full.”

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He added: "There does seem to be good evidence that blood pressure rises slightly with a full bladder, and that this drops on voiding, or soon after."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

And it seems that this sudden dip in blood pressure triggers a reaction from the Sympathetic Nervous System, a part of the ANS that is involved in the body's fight-or-flight response.

The latest science news from the natural world, health, tech and beyond Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

The SNS regulates blood pressure by releasing a series of neurotransmitters called catecholamines, and it’s believed this surge of catecholamines causes the shudder.

The twitch is basically a glitch in the nervous system when both the SNS and PNS vie to be heard. The shudder is similar to night twitches experienced by many people as they fall asleep.

Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Most Read Most Commented Latest videos UK ‘doesn’t exist militarily’ and is 'too weak to defend Falklands’, says ex-diplomat FBI swarm synagogue after 'vehicle ramming' and 'shooting' as schools 'in secure mode' ‘Disaster waiting to happen’ as 85 large oil tankers 'trapped in Persian Gulf' Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi's life off-screen from failed marriage to net worth Netflix drops 'hilarious' Big Mistakes trailer and it's perfect for Schitt's Creek fans Asteroid impact off UK coast caused mega-tsunami taller than Big Ben Woolly mammoths to be 'brought back from the dead' in just a few years All the Artemis 2 launch dates available after NASA moon mission rocket setback 'Lost Pompeii' found in ground-breaking archaeological discovery Incredible full 'reddish' moon in plain view today - but it's bad news for Brits Astronomer reveals exact date to see rare ‘planetary parade’ of six planets Artificial intelligence shows no qualms about using nukes in war games Scientists stunned after discovering 'dragon’ in Sahara Desert - and it’s 95m years old 'Frightening' ChatGPT boss says AI is easier than growing a human Chimpanzees flirt with one surprising hand gesture, say scientists Artemis 2 update as NASA sets date for launch sending humans back around Moon Watch the 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse as it happened on Tuesday NASA scientist's terrifying warning asteroid 'we know nothing about' could wipe out city Incredible 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse to hit 13 areas in just hours World-first super steaks from 'elite' cows could soon be sold in UK Scientists make bombshell claim about what happens after we die

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks