Should drinking water before bed have unexpected benefits and harms?

Drinking water before bed is a common habit, however, many people still wonder whether this practice is really good for their health or not? This article will help you answer the above question, and provide detailed information about the benefits, inconveniences and appropriate time to drink water at night.

1. Should you drink water before bed?

The answer to this question is: YES, but it needs to be considered. Drinking water before bed has many health benefits, but drinking too much or too close to bedtime can cause some inconvenience.

2. Benefits of drinking water before going to bed

Elimination purifies the body

While sleeping, the body continues its metabolic activities, including the process of eliminating toxins. Drinking water before bed helps support this process, helping the body eliminate waste and toxins. The process of sweating carries away accumulated toxins in the body, cleansing the skin and pores. At the same time, drinking water also dilutes gastric juice, supports food digestion and reduces constipation. 

Beautify and clean the skin 

Maintaining the habit of drinking filtered water regularly, especially before going to bed, makes an important contribution to improving overall health. Drinking enough water helps the skin provide the necessary moisture, improves elasticity and minimizes dryness and peeling. Besides, water also helps clean the body from the inside, supports the detoxification process and beautifies the skin.

Supports the weight loss process

Drinking water helps boost metabolism, burn calories and reduce cravings. In particular, drinking a glass of warm water before going to bed can help increase metabolism during sleep.

Reduce headaches, stress and anxiety

Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue and stress. Drinking water before bed helps the body replenish lost water, helping to reduce these symptoms.

Prevent heart disease, improve digestion

Drinking enough water helps maintain stable blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, water also helps thin the blood, preventing blood clots from forming. 

In addition, water also supports the digestive process, helping food to be digested more easily.

Prevent cramps while sleeping

Dehydration is one of the causes of night cramps. Drinking water before bed helps the body compensate for lost water, reducing the risk of cramps.

3. Some inconveniences when drinking water before going to bed

Although it brings many benefits, drinking too much water before bed can cause some inconveniences such as:

• Sleep disruption: Drinking too much water before bed can cause you to wake up many times during the night to urinate, disrupting sleep and affecting sleep quality.

• Increased pressure on the bladder: A full bladder can cause discomfort and affect sleep.

• Increased risk of urinary tract infections: Frequent urination during the night can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, especially in women.

4. The "golden" time to drink water is in the evening

To enjoy the benefits of drinking water before bed without causing inconvenience, you should follow some of the following principles:

• Drink water 1-2 hours before bed: This time is enough for the body to absorb water but not too close to bedtime to avoid nighttime urination.

• Drink in moderation: Don't drink too much water at once, you should only drink about 250-300ml.

• Drink warm water: Warm water helps the body relax and make it easier to fall asleep.

• Avoid drinking drinks with caffeine: Caffeine has a diuretic effect, making you urinate more and causing difficulty sleeping.

Drinking water before bed brings many health benefits, however, you need to drink it properly and at the right time to avoid causing unwanted side effects. Drinking water before bed should become a healthy habit to maintain good health.