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Hydration is key to the proper functioning of our body, but it matters when and how we drink water. Ashley Hainsworth, a sleep expert, points out that excessive drinking of water just before bedtime can disrupt sleep quality and cause a range of unpleasant health issues. So how can you ensure you stay hydrated while still having a restful night’s sleep?
Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom can disrupt the sleep cycle
Drinking large amounts of water shortly before lying down stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine. The result is frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom that disrupt the sleep cycle. Constant interruptions of sleep mean your body cannot enter the deep stages of sleep that are essential for physical and mental recovery. Hainsworth warns that such sleep disruption can have serious long-term consequences, including increased stress, weakened immune system, and impaired cognitive function.
Risk of chronic diseases
Another problem associated with frequent nighttime waking is an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Therefore the expert recommends starting hydration early in the morning and drinking water evenly throughout the day to avoid catching up on fluids in the evening. Fluid intake should be gradually limited about two hours before bed so the body has enough time to process the water and the risk of nocturnal waking is minimized.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed
In addition to limiting water intake before bed, you should also avoid consuming alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks that contain caffeine and sugar. These beverages can have diuretic effects and further contribute to frequent trips to the bathroom.
Proper hydration during the day supports better sleep
Hainsworth emphasizes that an optimal drinking routine should be aligned with the natural daily rhythm and should respond to signals of thirst during the day. Continuous hydration is much better than binge-drinking large amounts of water in the evening. This way you will not only support quality sleep but also overall health.
Taking care of proper hydration is essential, but we should not forget the importance of quality sleep. The right combination of both factors is the key to overall well-being and longevity.
