When not to drink water: The timing that could harm your health and disrupt sleep
Whether first thing in the morning or throughout the day, drinking water regularly is beneficial. However, it appears that the timing of our hydration can sometimes negatively impact our health in certain situations.
4:32 PM EST, January 10, 2024
Some health specialists suggest that drinking one or two glasses of water right before bedtime can disrupt our natural sleep cycle. While hydrating our bodies sufficiently in the evening ensures we stay adequately hydrated throughout the night, it's important to remember that our need to urinate dramatically decreases during these hours. This bodily function allows us to maintain an uninterrupted sleep cycle of 6-8 hours.
If we don't maintain a proper interval between drinking water and bedtime, we risk waking at night for unexpected trips to the bathroom. Furthermore, poor sleep quality has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. According to Jessica Vensel Rundo, a global expert in sleep disorders, speaking with the Health Cleveland Clinic portal, she advises that your last glass of water should be consumed no later than two hours before sleep.
The same expert also warns against consuming excessive water and other beverages before bed. It's worth noting that drinking warm water is an effective natural method for detoxification and improved digestion. Consuming it during the evening can optimally hydrate the body during sleep, and it's also beneficial for alleviating stomach discomfort and pain.
