Every person is different and, while some people can manage comfortably on 4-5 hours of sleep a night, the average person needs 7-9 hours. The easiest way to achieve this is to work out what time you need to get up and count back 7-9 hours before that. You will then have created a bedtime, all you have to do is stick to it.
However, getting to sleep on time is only part of the battle. It’s not just about being in bed for 7-9 hours, you also need to be getting high-quality sleep. Unfortunately, being inadequately hydrated can affect the quality of your sleep.
The Role Of Hydration In Sleep
Your body is 60% water. It helps nutrients enter cells, toxins leave, and performs a variety of other duties throughout the body. The reason you need to replenish your water source regularly is that you are constantly using it and expelling it through sweat and urine.
If you aren’t sufficiently hydrated your body won’t work optimally. Research suggests that even mild levels of dehydration can lead to increased levels of fatigue combined with thirst and irritability. You are likely to develop a headache and have trouble concentrating. You’ll also have a higher-than-average respiratory and heart rate.
None of these factors is good if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep.
Alongside this, the body repairs itself when you sleep. For this, it needs plenty of nutrients, particularly proteins. Your body needs to have plenty of water to facilitate this process. In short, if you aren’t sufficiently hydrated your body can’t heal during sleep. This will make injuries heal slower and you feel more fatigue during the day.
Problems With Lack Of Sleep
If you’re not properly hydrated then you won’t get high-quality sleep. This will quickly start to affect your daily life. A lack of sleep makes it hard to concentrate for extended periods, you are likely to be less productive, and you’ll experience a high level of mood swings. None of these things is going to help you in daily life, achieving goals, or even enjoying your life.
Sleep is an essential part of being alive.
Getting Enough Hydration
The first step is to make sure you have easy access to water at all times. You’ll find that investing in water dispensers for home, work, and even at your gym, will help to ensure you drink enough water. It’s much easier to stay hydrated if the water source is nearby.
Alongside this, it’s worth investing in a reusable bottle. This can be filled from the dispenser and carried with you, ensuring you can sip water throughout the day.
It’s also worth noting that people often mistake thirst for hunger. Therefore, when you feel hungry you should drink a glass of water and wait ten minutes. You’ll be surprised at how often you no longer feel hungry!
If you need to, you can add fresh fruit to your water to give it a little extra flavour.
