Although hydration is essential for the body, consuming a large amount of fluids right before bed can cause nighttime awakenings and affect the quality of rest, experts say.
Drinking water before bed can be harmful PHOTO: Shutterstock
Maintaining adequate hydration is important for the normal functioning of the body, but the time when liquids are consumed can influence the quality of sleep, draws the attention of Julio Maset – doctor and expert of the Spanish pharmaceutical company Cinfa, according to Mediafax.
The benefits of hydration
“Water is essential for our health, but is it a good idea to drink it right before bed? Let's see the pros and cons.” explains the Spanish doctor.
According to the specialist, drinking water helps to prevent the effects of dehydration.
“Maintaining proper hydration is essential for the body to function properly. Drinking water, including before going to bed, helps prevent problems caused by dehydration, such as headaches or fatigue”says Maset.
The role of vasopressin
The body has natural mechanisms that help it maintain an adequate level of hydration during the night. One of these is vasopressin, a hormone that reduces the amount of urine produced by the kidneys during sleep.
“During the night, vasopressin is regulated, which contributes to reducing the amount of urine“, explained Julio Maset.
Describing the effects of this process, the specialist showed that “this allows our body to maintain a proper water balance while we are resting”.
Sleep may be affected
Although hydration is necessary, drinking a lot of water right before bed can have the opposite effect.
“Consumption of water right before going to sleep could interrupt our rest“, warns the Spanish specialist. “We may need to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom”says the doctor, recalling one of the most common consequences.
Repeated awakenings can fragment sleep and reduce the feeling of rest in the morning, even if the person has slept the recommended number of hours.
The specialist's recommendation
Instead of drinking a lot of fluids in the evening, the doctor recommends constant hydration throughout the day.
“It's best to stay well hydrated throughout the day,” says Maset.
Thus, the body receives the necessary fluids without the last amount consumed affecting sleep.
“That way, the last water intake will be neither excessive nor too close to the time we go to sleep,” concludes the doctor.
