Is It Good To Drink Water Before Bed? What You Should Know…
As the night draws near and bed beckons, a common dilemma lingers: Is drinking water before sleeping good or bad? Some people are massive advocates, and won’t close their eyes before having a few sips of water, while others stop drinking hours before.
But which is the best way to go; Is it good to drink water before bed, particularly health-wise?
Here we uncover the truth about this nocturnal hydration practice, as we navigate the arguments for and against
Contents
Drinking water before sleeping -Pros:
Quench that thirst
No one likes to wake up to a scratchy dry throat. Drinking water before bedtime ensures you won’t wake up feeling like a cactus. It keeps you nicely hydrated throughout the night, preventing that parched mouth feeling when you get in the morning.
Also Recommended: The 9 Best Morning Exercises To Wake Up And Get Energized!
May lower blood pressure
According to an article published in Scientific Reports drinking water can contribute to lower blood pressure and heart rate. This is because it works with our parasympathetic nervous system, which kicks into action when we’re in a state of rest, digestion, and recovery. So, when we sip water before bedtime we’re helping to activate this system, contributing to healthier blood pressure and a more tranquil body.
Rinse out tooth decay
Our mouths are bustling metropolises for bacteria, they then produce acids that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. When you sip water before sleep, it acts as a natural rinse, washing away leftover food particles and diluting the acids, which reduces the risk of potential dental issues.
Aids in Digestion
We’ve all been there; you’ve gone to bed after stuffing yourself silly, and a few moments later the old stomach starts rumbling. Next, you’re rueing the day you ever discovered cheesy mashed potatoes. But there is a solution, water. Drinking water before hitting the sack can aid digestion, keeping indigestion or heartburn at bay.
Skin’s Best Friend: Hydration isn’t just good for your insides; it works wonders for your skin too! By drinking water before sleeping, you provide your body with the moisture it needs to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy.
Sweet Dreams and No Snacking: Sometimes, late-night cravings creep up on us. They are hard to ignore, particularly when you’re trying to shift some pounds. But aside from gnawing your pillow, there is another way. A glass of water before bed can help curb those cravings and prevent mindless snacking. It keeps you satisfied and wards off those extra trips to the kitchen pantry.
Drinking water before sleeping – Cons:
Nocturia
This is a term used for people who have to make frequent bathroom visits in the middle of the night. This sleep and wee cycle continues into the morning and is the most common and troublesome urinary condition.But that’s not allânocturia has been known to bring along some unwelcome companions such as; reduced productivity and even depression. So, if you cannot sleep without drinking copious amounts of water, (particularly if have diabetes or kidney disease, ) you may be setting yourself up for a major nocturia episode.
A wet bed
While bedwetting is typically associated with children, it can occasionally persist into adulthood. If you’ve had a history of bedwetting, a lot of water before slumber may be risky. So unless you want to wake in your own personal oasis, be aware of the water you take in before bed.
Acid Reflux Roulette
If you’re prone to acid reflux or heartburn, introducing water just before bedtime may not be the best idea. The increased fluid can stir up those stomach acids, leading to an uncomfortable night of tossing and turning.
Should I drink water before sleeping?
There is no cut-and-dry answer. The thing is, water is good for you, even before bed. But in order not to have to deal with midnight bathroom trips, acid reflux, and disrupted sleep, you’ve got to drink water before bed the right way.
âIn general, we donât recommend drinking a large amount of water before bedtime, but a small amount is good,â states Sleep disorder specialist Dr. Vensel Rundo.
Try this…
Drink a small amount of water before bed, perhaps half a glass. If you feel this is too much, lessen the amount. For some people, even half a glass can lead to nocturia, so in these cases stop water intake around 2 hours before bed is best.
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. You just need to do it mindfully and watch your intake.