The Benefits and Drawbacks of Drinking Hot Water Before Bed

Hey! 

How cool is it to drink warm water before sleep!

Incorporating drinking hot water before bed into your nightly routine is a simple step that many find comforting and beneficial. But what does the evidence say? Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider.

What do health experts say about drinking water before bed?

Many people find it relaxing to drink a glass of warm water before bed. It's not just about staying hydrated; there might be some actual health and sleep perks too. Let's explore what the research says:

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water Before Sleep 

This practice has been embraced for centuries, lauded for the wide range of benefits it has to offer for your well-being. 

1. Promotes hydration overnight

Drinking hot water before sleep gives your body a boost in staying hydrated at night. This can prevent dry mouth, reduce the chances of morning dehydration-related headaches, and support proper body temperature regulation and overall replenishment. 

2. Natural Detox and Digestive Support

Consuming water before sleep can stimulate your digestive system, making it easier for food to break down and supporting natural detoxification. The warmth of water helps increase blood flow, which aids in the removal of toxins from your body and improves your skin's appearance while you sleep. 

You can also try: 

• Warm water with honey: Drinking warm water with honey helps the body build resistance and provides a naturally soothing effect
• Warm lemon water: Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Drinking this concoction can help strengthen immunity and fight infections. 

Disclaimer: While warm water is soothing for digestion, extremely hot water or drinking too much may aggravate acid reflux in sensitive individuals. 

3. Mood Enhancement and Calming Effect

Studies reveal that being dehydrated can impair mood and increase fatigue. 

Studies indicate that even mild dehydration can impair mood and increase fatigue. Drinking warm water before bed may help restore emotional balance, reducing tension and promoting calmness. 

A 2014 study found that insufficient water intake can negatively impact your mood and sleep schedule. The study looked at 52 people, and it turned out that the ones who usually drank more water felt calmer and experienced fewer positive emotions when their intake was reduced. On the flip side, people who didn't drink much water initially felt more relaxed, more content, and happier after increasing their water intake.

4. Supports Skin and Immune Health

Warm water intake may improve blood circulation, aid in gentle detoxification, and support skin appearance naturally, with or without lemon or honey for added benefits. 

It also stimulates sweat glands, allowing toxins to be released through the skin, which can enhance skin health. Additionally, warm water may calm an upset stomach, ease cramps, and help your immune system.

5. May aid weight management

Does hot water help with weight loss before bed? Experts find that having hot water before sleep reduces late-night cravings. The feeling of warmth and fullness can help prevent unnecessary snacking, indirectly keeping your weight in check. 

Having a nightly glass of warm water before bed can be healthy for some, but for others, it may cause sleep issues. 

Drawbacks of Drinking Warm Water Before Bed

Staying hydrated allows your body to function well. You naturally lose fluids throughout the day and even during sleep through breathing, sweating, and eliminating waste from the digestive system.

1. Water and the Interrupted Sleep Cycle

While warm water offers multiple benefits, it may also negatively impact your natural sleep pattern. Drinking too much water before bed can increase nighttime urination, reducing your chances of getting 6-8 hours of proper sleep. Over time, sleep deprivation can impact heart health, raising the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, and even stroke or heart attack, as highlighted by a 2019 study.

Older adults are more likely to experience an overactive bladder or medical conditions like diabetes, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or dementia, all of which can affect bladder function and sleep quality. 

2. Risk of Throat Discomfort or Possible Acid Reflux

Drinking too hot water could aggravate acid reflux or irritate the throat. If you have acid reflux or GERD, drinking hot water before sleep can worsen nightmare symptoms. Consult a doctor immediately to prevent complications. 

3. Overhydration Concerns

Experts caution that consuming large volumes of water at once doesn't necessarily improve hydration more than steady intake throughout the day. You could pee a lot more than usual or experience an electrolyte imbalance. 

4. Potential Disruption of Digestion

Warm water can generally help with digestion. But drinking it right after a big meal or too close to bedtime might weaken your stomach acids, which can actually slow your digestion. This could cause bloating, a little discomfort, or indigestion while you're trying to sleep. 

5. Interference with specific medication

If you take medicines before bed, drinking hot water beforehand might interfere with absorption or timing. Like, some medicines need an empty stomach to work right, so drinking water right away could make them less effective. Always read guidelines or consult your doctor. 

So, when should you drink water?

Instead of drinking large amounts of water all at once, maintain a balanced fluid intake throughout the day. This can be done by: 

• Drinking water when you eat.
• Replenish fluids after you work out.
• Eating fruits and vegetables for extra hydration.

Final Takeaway 

Drinking hot water before sleep can be both calming and beneficial, as it supports hydration, digestion, mood, and skin health. Yet, hydration is best achieved throughout the day; too much, too hot, or too late timing can interrupt your rest. 

Use small sips of warm water about an hour before bed if it suits your lifestyle, but prioritize consistent hydration habits and listen to your body.

FAQs: 

1. Is drinking hot water before bed suitable for you?

Drinking water before bedtime can be reasonable for you. It helps you stay hydrated, aids digestion, and can make you feel more relaxed. It might calm you down, be good for your skin and immune system, and keep you from wanting a midnight snack. But don't drink too much or make it too hot, or it could mess with your sleep or give you heartburn.

2. What are the benefits of drinking warm water before sleep?

Drinking warm water before sleep can help you stay hydrated, stimulate digestion, and gently cleanse your system. It can also help you relax. It makes your skin look better, eases stress, and lifts your mood. Adding lemon or honey can boost your immunity and give a calm feeling before bed.

3. Does hot water help with weight loss before bed?

Having warm water before bedtime isn't a miracle weight-loss trick, but it can help you feel full and cut down on those late-night cravings. This might keep you from snacking when you don't need to, which can help with managing your weight if you also eat well and exercise.

4. How much warm water should I drink before bed?

A small glass of warm water, approximately 150-200 ml, before bed is usually enough. Drinking too much at once might make you urinate more at night, interfere with your sleep, or slightly imbalance your electrolytes. It's best to drink water steadily all day to stay hydrated. 

5. Can consuming warm water at bedtime affect my sleep?

Yes. Drinking a lot of water before you sleep could make you urinate more at night, reducing the quality of your sleep, especially if you're older or have bladder problems. Remember, moderation is key, so you can stay hydrated while still enjoying hydration benefits.