HEALTHY YOU - IMPACT OF WATER ON SLEEP QUALITY

We all know that water is an essential nutrient for the human body, helping to remove waste, lubricate the joints, regulate body temperature, and cushion sensitive tissues.  This can be in the form of plain water, or it can come through fruit, herbal teas, or other fluids.

Drinking water also helps prevent headaches and enables sweating to keep us cool. If you live in a warmer climate, then you are more likely to sweat during the night, which can eventually result in dehydration. Drinking water before bed might help ward off dehydration while you sleep, and it may also help you attain the drop in core body temperature that helps induce sleepiness.

The health benefit of drinking water is well documented. However have you considered the impact of water on quality of sleep?

In this article, Healthy You will delve into the relationship between water and sleep. 

Drinking water right before going to sleep can be both good and bad depending on the amount of water consumed.

It is not uncommon to feel thirsty right before going to bed. In fact,  study  showed that the tendency to drink more water in the night might be a natural part of the sleep-wake cycle, in order to prevent becoming dehydrated overnight. Although mild dehydration does not appear to directly impact sleep for otherwise healthy people, staying hydrated supports systems in the body that do impact your sleep.

Although our bodies are programmed to slow urine production during sleep, excessive fluid intake may push you past this threshold and cause nighttime bathroom trips that interfere with sleep

To start, drinking a small amount of water before bed can be beneficial as long as it does not cause you to feel uncomfortable or bloated. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and drinking water before bed can help replenish any fluids lost during the day. It can also help you feel more refreshed and energized when you wake up in the morning. Drinking water before bed may also help the body maintain a steady temperature throughout the night and can help reduce cases of night sweats.

On the other hand, drinking too much water right before bed can cause you to wake up more often during the night as your body needs to urinate more frequently. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of your sleep, as it takes your body a few minutes to fall back asleep after waking to use the restroom.

Additionally, drinking too much water before bed can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, a condition caused by an electrolyte imbalance in the body due to over-consumption of water. Symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, confusion, muscle cramps, fatigue, and headaches.

 In conclusion, drinking water before bed is generally beneficial as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Drinking small amounts of water can help you stay hydrated and get a better night's sleep. However, drinking too much water before bed can cause you to wake up during the night and can lead to other health issues such as hyponatremia. It is best to listen to your body and avoid drinking large amounts of water before bed.

                          Healthy You

                       Abigail Jeremiah