As the importance of sleep is gaining attention all over the research and healthcare community, new ways to improve our sleep are being suggested and becoming popular. One of the important factors influencing the quality of sleep is our level of hydration. 

The connection between drinking water and sleep quality is pretty straightforward. When our body is properly hydrated, its ability to regulate its temperature improves. In order to fall asleep and stay asleep, temperature regulation is an important factor creating the ultimate environment. Moreover, proper hydration takes part in the regulation mechanism of hormonal cycles, influencing both cortisol and melatonin levels, the two main pro-sleep hormones. 

So, how much water should one drink to improve sleep? The answer to this question depends on several factors such as age, gender, weight, level of physical activity and medical conditions. A general rule of thumb is drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day, and optimally get to 12 glasses. Amounts of caffeine should also be taken into account as caffeine has a diuretic effect.

The mentioned amount of water should be consumed along the day, and not all at once of course, as large amounts of water all of a sudden have gastro-intestinal effects and cause stomach ache and digestion problems. Just like any other beverage, overdrinking also of water has a negative effect, so it’s not a case of “the more the merrier”. Actually, the best case scenario will include the recommended amounts of water consumed up until one hour before going to bed.

Well, the good news is that appropriate water consumption during the day does have a positive effect on our health. As we often mix the feeling of being thirsty and being hungry, water has a major impact on our hunger regulation and energy production and consumption. Taking our water-drinking habits into account is a high yield choice when it comes to improving our health and our well-being, through the day, through the night, also impacting the next day, and the next one… 

All in all, drinking enough water is essential for improving our sleeping quality, thereby also having a positive effect on our overall healthy well-being. The habit of hydrating our body properly, and taking care of this aspect during the day, we earn a better sleep through the night and already improve our tomorrow. So, unless you’re now on your way to sleep, it’s a perfect time to refill your glass with water and hydrate yourself. Cheers to better sleep, better health. 

Cheers!