Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Do wet diapers induce arousals in sleeping infants?
H Zotter1, B Urlesberger, G Pichler
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. heinz.zotter@klinikum-graz.at
Aim:
To find out whether simulated bladder voiding was able to induce arousals in sleeping infants.
Methods:
Polygraphic recordings were performed in 34 infants and voiding was simulated by administering water into the diaper.
Results:
Heart rate, respiratory frequency and electroencephalogram frequency did not change significantly during this procedure. Furthermore, simulated voiding was unable to cause an awakening or to induce body movements in sleeping infants.
Conclusion:
Simulated voiding was unable to induce arousals.
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