Proper Hydration for a Great Night's Sleep
- By Lauren Smalley
- Aug 22, 2018
Staying hydrated is a key component to overall health. After all, dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, general fatigue and lethargy, digestive issues, and trouble concentrating. Severe dehydration can cause rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, fever, seizure, and shock. While staying hydrated is crucial to your daytime activities, it is equally as important to stay hydrated while through the night. But how is it possible to do this while you’re sleeping?
Keep it simple
Staying hydrated goes beyond drinking enough water, but drinking water is an easy first step. However, too much water before bedtime will have an adverse effect on your sleep if you have to make a nighttime bathroom trip. So, stick to a glass of water before getting some shut eye, but don’t feel like you need to drink an entire bottle.
Humidifiers aren’t just for stuffy noses
Using a humidifier in your room doesn’t have to only be a remedy for a cold. That extra moisture in the air will help your skin stay hydrated, as well as aide in consuming water just by breathing. An extra tip is to remove your make up before bed to allow your skin to absorb the extra moisture more efficiently.
I work out
Evening exercise sessions can lead to night time dehydration. While it is definitely better to work out than not, be mindful that you are consuming enough liquids before, during, and after your exercise session to replenish what is lost. Proper hydration will lend itself to proper muscle recovery in general, but definitely during a deep restorative sleep.
Everything in moderation
Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake will also ensure that you are staying hydrated throughout the day and night. If you do consume an alcoholic beverage before bed, make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day and also while drinking the alcoholic beverage. Caffeine before bed has its own negative effects, but even caffeine consumed early in the day can impact your hydration level by bed time. Be mindful of your alcohol and caffeine consumption, and increase your water intake if your alcohol or caffeine levels are higher than usual.
Sources:
https://www.healthyway.com/content/warning-signs-of-dehydration/?param4=hwy-google-ppc-us-de&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=signs%20of%20dehydration&utm_campaign=981229619&adgroupid=44175112010&network=g&creative=239343709821&device=c&devicemodel=&matchtype=b&adposition=1t1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8O7bBRB0EiwAfbrTh7TaJG6ND9jYpfpbNOjvIbM5nFBCcch7AI1fDGlZOlkMCgzOmePslxoCxAoQAvD_BwE
https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/the-connection-between-hydration-and-sleep
https://www.silentnight.co.uk/sleep-matters/sleep_views/five-ways-to-get-hydrated-before-bed/
