Home Health ‘I’m a health expert – common mistake before bed could pose serious...

‘I’m a health expert – common mistake before bed could pose serious threat’


Drinking plenty of water is undoubtedly important for your health. However, knocking back glasses of the healthy beverage too close to bed could spell a serious health risk, according to an expert.

Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom explained that drinking too much water before bed could disrupt your sleep and even increase your risk of chronic diseases. 

Hainsworth told Bristol Live: “Hydrating earlier in the day is crucial to ensure that your body has adequate time to process fluids and reduce the likelihood of disruptions during the night.”

However, drinking lots of water before bed makes your kidneys produce more urine, resulting in multiple trips to the loo. This can disturb your natural sleep cycle, which could harm your health in the long-term.

The expert said: “Consistent disruption to our sleep cycle, especially from frequent trips to the bathroom during the night, isn’t just a nuisance – it’s a serious threat to our overall health.

“It can lead to increased stress, impaired cognitive function, a weakened immune system and even heightened risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and diabetes. 

“It’s time we prioritise uninterrupted rest for the sake of our well-being.” 

Therefore, the best time to meet your hydration needs is throughout the day. Hainsworth advised that you should start your hydration early in the morning and maintain a steady intake throughout the day. 

“This way, you’re less likely to feel the need to compensate with excessive water consumption later in the evening,” he added.

When it comes to the ideal cut-off time, the expert suggested moderating your water intake in the two hours leading up to your shut-eye. He said: “This allows your body enough time to process the fluids, minimising the risk of disruptive bathroom trips.”

The expert stressed the importance of establishing a consistent water-drinking routine to optimise your sleep. Hainsworth said: “Creating a hydration routine aligned with your body’s rhythm is key. Respond promptly to thirst, especially earlier in the day. This evens out intake and reduces excessive consumption before bed.

“It’s not just about how much you drink, but when and how it fits into your day. By adopting a mindful routine, you can improve sleep quality and overall health.”

While you might already know this, Hainsworth also stressed the importance of avoiding any kind of alcohol or caffeine in the form of coffee, teas, and some fizzy drinks before bedtime. He added: “Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep. These beverages act as diuretics, increasing urine production. It’s advisable to limit their consumption, especially in the hours before bedtime.” 

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