Drinking water before bed: How it impacts sleep and health
We know that our body cannot function properly without proper hydration. Doctors and dietitians have long indicated that to maintain our health and well-being, we should drink about 2 litres of water daily. But does this mean that water can be consumed at any time of the day? Let's find out when it is better to avoid it.
15 August 2024 20:14
Water is a fundamental component of our body. We should all regularly drink water, both in the morning and throughout the day. However, certain situations can negatively affect our health.
Specialists suggest that drinking one or two glasses of water directly before bedtime can disrupt our nighttime rest. While evening hydration is important, it is worth remembering that our need to urinate is significantly lower at night. Skipping a large dose of water before bed will ensure a restful night. This allows us to sleep peacefully for 6-8 hours without interruptions.
Nighttime bathroom trips greatly affect our health and well-being
If we do not maintain a proper gap between the last drink and sleep, we may wake up needing to use the bathroom at night. This, in turn, can affect our well-being. Interrupted sleep negatively impacts heart health, increases the risk of hypertension, and disturbs cholesterol levels in the blood. Jessica Vensel Rundo, a renowned sleep disorder expert from the Cleveland Clinic, advises drinking the last glass of water no later than two hours before bedtime.
The expert also emphasizes avoiding consuming large amounts of water and other beverages just before bed. This is not the end of the interesting information. Drinking warm water is an effective way to detoxify the body and support digestion. Consuming warm water in the evening helps to optimally hydrate the body during the night and alleviate cramps and stomach pains.
It is worth mentioning that the amount of water we should drink also depends on the prevailing temperature. While 2 litres of water is sufficient under normal circumstances, you can freely increase this dose by another litre during heatwaves.