You must have often heard that water is like a magic potion for your health. You must consume at least 15.5 cups of fluid daily for men and 11.5 cups for women. Consuming adequate amounts of water enables your body to function optimally. But Is drinking water before bed good? Should this be a habit? Let’s find out. Stay with us until this article's end to learn everything about drinking water before bed benefits!
How Does Drinking Water Before Bed Impact Sleep?
Have you ever wondered how you sleep through the night without bathroom breaks? This is because your body reduces urination output at night. And one of the most common connections between drinking a lot of water before bed and sleeping is that it can lead to frequent urination at night.Â
When you wake up multiple times at night, your sleep cycle gets interrupted and if this becomes a regular thing, it puts you at risk of sleep deprivation. Being sleep-deprived can lead to several ailments, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and more. In fact, a 2019 study showed that adults who sleep for less than six hours at night were at risk of stroke or heart attack.
Benefits of drinking water before bed
Is it good to drink water before bed? Yes. Drinking less than a glass of water can be good for you. Some of the advantages it fetches are given below.Â
Lowers blood pressure and heart rateÂ
Scientific Reports reported that water could decrease cardiac effort while reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It can be due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Also, another 2020 study showed that water before bed could be beneficial in reducing blood pressure. But it is essential not to overdo it. So, is drinking water before bed good? Yes!Â
Improves mood Â
Are you wondering if should I drink water before bed? Well, what if we told you one of the main benefits of drinking water before bed was a good mood? Yes. A 2014 study showed that when your body doesn’t get enough water, it can adversely affect your mood and also negatively impact your sleep-wake cycle.
Relieves headache symptomsÂ
Sometimes, after a long hard day, headaches become common. But this lingering headache can make it difficult for you to enjoy a good night’s rest. So, does drinking water before bed help you sleep and relieve headaches? Yes! According to Nutrition Reviews, consuming fluids before bedtime can ease headaches.Â
Improved Hydration
If you wake up in the middle of the night for a glass of water, drinking it before you hit the sheets can keep you hydrated so nothing disrupts your sleep. But don’t drink too much water here. Just a few sips!
Body Temperature Regulation
If the weather is too hot outside and you are feeling the heat, you can try to drink cold water before bed as it can reduce your body’s core temperature. And a drop in the body temperature can send a sleeping signal.Â
Better Digestion
Water is excellent for you and can help cleanse your body by flushing out all the toxins. So, consuming water before bed enhances your blood flow and improves bodily functions, such as digestion.
Cons of drinking water before bed
Now, let’s look at all the cons associated with drinking water before bed and understand when to stop drinking water before bed.Â
Disturbed SleepÂ
As aforementioned, too much water before bed can lead to frequent urination. This can hamper your sleep cycle. Some people even struggle to fall asleep once they are up. So, it can put you at risk of sleep deprivation.Â
Health Issues
You need 7-8 hours of sleep each night for good health. But when your sleep cycle is interrupted, you may experience insufficient sleep, which cannot adequately fuel you. And poor sleep quality is linked to issues such as depression and anxiety.
When is the best time to drink water?
Drinking adequate amounts of water daily is linked to good health. However, if it is too close to your bedtime, it might disturb your sleep. Therefore, drink enough water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. Some easy tips to avoid dehydration include;
- Consuming lots of vegetables and fruitsÂ
- Drink water before and after your meal and exerciseÂ
- When hunger pangs strike you, first drink a glass of water, as thirst can be mistaken for hunger
Things to Consider About Drinking Water Before Bed
A few things you must keep in mind before drinking water to bed include;
Nocturia
It is a condition when you wake up multiple times at night to urinate. One of the causes of nocturia is consuming a lot of fluids before bed. Therefore, don’t drink too much water before bed and reduce alcohol or fluid intake at night.Â
Bedwetting
Reducing fluid intake before bed can help reduce the risks of bedwetting, especially in children. Also, always emptying your bladder before you hit the sheets is a good idea.
Getting enough water every day is crucial for your overall well-being. While most of us rely on our thirst to consume water, it is essential to drink about 15.5 cups of fluid a day for men and 11.5 cups for women. Drinking water can help you with healthy body functions, a good mood and so much more!
