

Hydration is one of life's great balancing acts. Getting too much water down you can feel just as bad as not getting enough, only in different ways. And getting it right at bedtime can mean the difference between eight hours of restful slumber and a totally disturbed night punctuated by bleary trips to the bathroom.
But how do you get the balance right? Obviously drinking too much water before bed is a bad idea, but how much is too much, and when should you stop drinking water in the evening? If you're losing sleep just worrying about hydration, you'll be pleased to know that the mindbodygreen podcast has been asking all the important questions and has some useful answers from psychologist and sleep doctor Shelby Harris. Read on if, despite having the best mattress and best sleep tracker, your hydration levels are still denying you a proper night's sleep.
- Are reusable water bottles hygienic?
- 4 hacks to stay hydrated if you hate the taste of water
- Stay hydrated with the best water bottle
Firstly, she notes that, yes, not drinking enough water can ruin your sleep, citing a 2019 study that found adults getting six hours sleep or less per night also had inadequate hydration levels. However she also admits that overdoing it on the hydration can mean a broken night's sleep as you get up to go to the bathroom.
So what can you do to find your hydration sweet spot? Harris suggests that it's not just about what you drink in the evening; instead you should start by monitoring how much water you drink during the day and work from there. "Some people are not drinking enough during the day," she says, "so come nighttime, they're super thirsty." And that results in making up for a lack of hydration in the evening and ending up in bed with too much water sloshing around your system. "I encourage people to really try and hydrate throughout the day so that you're not backlogging it at night," she concludes.
Of course that's not to say that if you're feeling thirsty in the evening you should deny yourself a little drink, and naturally if you need to take pills or supplements at night then you're going to need a bit of water to wash them down; just try and keep things light; Harris suggests limiting your amount of water to about eight ounces (or about 240Ml).
And when you get up in the morning, start the day the way you mean to go on with some lovely water, especially if you've had a bad night. "I encourage everyone in the morning, if you've had a rough night of sleep, start your day with a big glass of water," says Harris, adding that she prefers hers with a slice of lemon.
Want to know more? You can get more bedtime hydration tips at the mindbodygreen podcast.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Jim is a freelance writer who has been largely occupied with writing about the mattress industry for the past few years. Jim spent most of 2023 working as Sleep Editor on TechRadar and learning more about mattresses than they ever wanted to know. Jim has also covered graphic design, politics, films and web design, as well as writing promotional material and video scripts for tech and video game companies.
-
The 5 Xbox handheld features that would make rumoured console an instabuy
If Xbox's handheld console is real, I want these features
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
This DJI drone launch pad fits to the roof of your electric car
EV maker BYD has teamed up with DJI to make a roof-mounted drone station
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Therabody experts give 7 tips for perfecting your sleep routine for World Sleep Day
From breathing exercises to sleep masks, here’s how to prioritise sleep, according to experts
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Loop Dream review: super soft earplugs to help you snooze soundly, even if you’re a side sleeper
Squishy silicone and uniquely shaped ear tips take Loop’s nighttime earplugs to dreamy heights
By Joanna Ebsworth Published
-
Can’t get to sleep? Grounding bed sheets could be the answer – but I need convincing
Is this the future of sleep tech?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Bensons for Beds Slumberland Naturals Plant-Based Luxe Mattress review: premium comfort and exceptional quality
A top choice for comfort, durability and sustainability
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Simba reveals 3 shocking signs of sleep deprivation on the body
Simba’s latest study reveals the main physical effects of sleep deprivation
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
I’m a smart home expert – here are 5 smart blinds I'd recommend for a better night’s sleep
From SmartWings to IKEA, here are the smart blinds worth knowing about
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This smart sleep mask massages, plays music and eases facial tension
The Bob and Brad Eyeoasis 2 is a must-have for bad sleepers and screen users
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Panda London eye mask proves that the key to sleep is simplicity
Sleep masks: let’s go back to basics
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published