The human body is made up of around 60% water, and dehydration can lead to severe health consequences. Adequate water intake is essential to support bodily functions that keep us healthy and performing as we should. Proper hydration can also improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep health.

Drinking water before bed is a topic that has been debated for some time. Does it help or hinder sleep? Let's look at the pros and cons of drinking water before bed and if the benefits outweigh the downsides.

Pros of Drinking Water Before Bed

• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate

Drinking water before bed can reduce cardiac workload and lower heart rate and blood pressure, leading to relaxation and improved sleep.

• Improves mood

Research shows that hydration may improve mood, leading to a peaceful night's rest. Dehydration can cause poor mood, irritability, and fatigue, all of which can hinder sleep.

• Relieves headache symptoms

Drinking water before bed can help relieve some forms of headache, making it easier to fall asleep.

• Prevents dehydration

Drinking a glass of water before bed is an effective way to rehydrate the body and help you sleep better at night.

Cons of Drinking Water Before Bed

Drinking too much water before bed can lead to nocturia, a condition in which a person wakes up several times per night to urinate. Nocturia can increase the risk of developing insomnia and lead to fragmented sleep, impacting a person's ability to get proper recovery sleep.

Here are some lifestyle recommendations that may help prevent or reduce urination frequency at night:

• Limit water intake in the two hours leading up to bedtime

• Manage caffeine and alcohol consumption throughout the evening

• Use the restroom one last time before going to bed

• Reduce the amount of salt in your daily diet

• Increase daily physical activity levels and include pelvic floor exercises

In conclusion, keeping sufficiently hydrated during the day may improve sleep health. There is evidence that suggests the longer your sleep duration is, the less dehydrated you may be. Therefore, hydration likely benefits sleep, which, in turn, may support optimal hydration. When it comes to drinking water before bed, the pros outweigh the cons, as long as you drink in moderation and follow the recommended lifestyle guidelines.