The sleep cycle is one of the most important for human health. Both hormonal health and the hormone vasopresin, which is responsible for urine, are regulated through circadian rhythms. We all know that good sleep hygiene is essential to ensure a good rest and good performance. Doctor Julio Maset explains the myth of drinking water before bed. While it is true that it is beneficial for health, it is preferable to maintain adequate hydration throughout the day to avoid large intakes of water that can disrupt our sleep.
Circadian rhythms
According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), circadian rhythms are responsible for regulating changes in physical and mental characteristics that occur over the course of a day. They are regulated by light, before which they stop generating melatonin that is responsible for generating the warning that it is time to sleep. It is therefore essential to respect them through good sleep hygiene and respecting rest schedules. If these rhythms are altered, we may experience consequences such as sleep problems, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Even our state of mind and mental health could be affected.
What happens in our body during the night?
Many are the processes that happen in our body while we sleep. However, one of the most important is hormonal regulation, which affects our mood and our metabolism. While we rest, it’s time for the hormone vasopressin, which is responsible for reducing the amount of urine. Why does it work at night? The answer is logical; the lower the amount of urine, the fewer times we will have to get up to the bathroom, and thus have a high quality rest. However, there are fashion tips that become viral through the internet, which should not be trusted without first consulting a professional.
Is it beneficial to drink water before going to bed?
It is true that the benefits of water in our body are incalculable, from hydration to transport of nutrients. However, while it is true that drinking water before going to bed is recommended, everything has its small print. Doctor Julio Maset, a doctor at Laboratorios Ninfa (a pharmaceutical company), explains in a video on his social network TikTok profile the benefits and disadvantages of drinking water at the end of the day. Make it clear that staying hydrated throughout the day is essential, not just at night. Headaches and fatigue are consequences of dehidratation, so drinking enough water should be part of our daily routine. Everything is about maintaining a balance, without reaching extremes that can sometimes be exaggerated and even dangerous.
Should I drink water at nights?
Of course, you can drink water before going to bed. However, professionals recommend following a number of aspects. It is advised not to drink at the right time to get into bed or even be a large amount. It is not recommended because it could cause any damage to your organism. It´s just common sense! The more water you drink and the sooner you go to bed, the more times you will need to get up to the bathroom throughout the night.
Water and our organism
Drink 1,5L, 2L and even 3L of water daily! There are many and varied recommendations from professionals, but the truth is that we have to listen to our body and its needs. We must understand that this is not a concrete figure, but to find the balance between excess and dehydration.
