12 Benefits of Drinking Hot Water Before Sleep
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“Is drinking hot water before sleep beneficial?”, “Are there any benefits of drinking hot water?”, “How to drink hot water to derive maximum results?” Are you, too, having similar questions in your mind? We are sure you do because water is of utmost importance in our lives, but there are many myths about it.
Water is crucial for cellular and organ function, making up about 70% of your body weight. Hot water is easy to digest, quickly absorbed by the body, and reaches every cell allowing them to function correctly. Hence, water, especially hot water, provides you with improved health and is therefore considered a super drink by most health practitioners.
In this article, we will learn about the 12 benefits of drinking hot water before sleep and some drawbacks of drinking hot water.
May Relieve Nasal Congestion
Sinus congestion is a disease where the mucus gets trapped in the sinuses due to a cold or bacterial infection. The symptoms are a runny nose, coughing, headache, or sore throat. The ideal solution for nasal congestion is to do steam breathing. The mucus membranes will get moist and unblock the sinuses. In addition, keeping yourself hydrated by drinking warm water in the morning and before sleep will help to relieve the symptoms.
May Aid Digestion
Hot water helps activate the digestive system and remove toxins from the body. The food particles get easily dissolved and dissipated from the intestine. A white coating on the tongue is a sign of indigestion which can be relieved by drinking hot water. Moreover, if you want a cheat day in your diet plan, enjoy your oily and fatty food without any guilt. However, ensure to drink hot water later to digest the fat easily.
A study from 2016 shows drinking hot water helps the intestinal process by easing bowel movements. You will have fewer digestive problems and better gut health once the food waste is thrown out of the body.
Helpful For Weight Loss
Hot water is a calorie-less super drink for weight loss. Drinking hot water after waking up in the morning helps to remove toxins from the body, whereas drinking it before sleeping aids in better digestion. Additionally, regular hot water intake helps burn calories throughout the day. It helps to flush out the fat you have consumed. The stomach filled with water curbs the appetite. Thus, you eat less and consume fewer calories. However, ensure your water intake is as per your body’s requirements. Anything done in excess may give negative results.
May Improve Central Nervous System Function
The central nervous system gets affected due to stress and anxiety, causing pain and aches. Muscles are relaxed as the hot water lubricates the nervous system mechanism. There is effortless blood distribution throughout the body, and the brain as the blood-carrying vessels expand. It mitigates the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. The proper blood flow to the brain improves mood. Thus, drinking hot water or a bath with warm water before sleep will aid in stress-free slumber.
May Help Relieve Constipation
If you are suffering from constipation, drinking hot water after your meals and before sleep will be beneficial. Cold water solidifies the oil and fat you consume while eating, and it gets deposited in your intestine, causing indigestion. Moreover, less water consumption leads to dehydration. The prolonged food waste in the intestine makes the stool-passing process harder. Thus, the built-up waste results in bloating, further enhancing the person’s waist and resulting in obesity. Therefore, hot water can relieve you from constipation and other stomach-related problems.
Reduces Shivering In The Cold
It is the body’s natural reaction to shiver in chilled conditions. Drinking hot water can help you to maintain your body temperature. Hot fluids besides water, such as herbal tea and ginger tea, are the ideal solution to stay warm in cold temperatures. People working in cold conditions should keep sipping the hot water throughout the day.
May Decrease Stress Levels
Cortisol, the stress hormone, is increased due to dehydration. When you are under stress, your heart rate spikes up, and your breathing becomes heavy, leading to the loss of body fluids. Moreover, a person tends to ignore hunger and thirst while suffering from stress. Thus, there is a cycle of dehydration causing stress and vice versa, affecting the nervous system. Hot water helps the nervous system to function well. Hence, drinking hot water and keeping yourself hydrated will help decrease stress levels.
May Help The Body’s Detoxification Systems
As per Ayurveda, the impurities in the body cause aam that enters the circulatory system. Further, it is transported and distributed throughout the body. The body’s circulation and communication power are interrupted as the cells, and tissues get affected due to the an accumulation. It results in various diseases in the body.
Hot water boiled for at least 15-20 minutes is free from impurities, becomes light and is capable of cleansing the body efficiently. Thus, hot water helps in the body’s detoxification process.
May Help Relieve Symptoms Of Achalasia
Achalasia is a condition where the oesophagus cannot move food down into the stomach. The person having achalasia disease suffers from swallowing. They feel the food has got stuck in their chest. And this condition is known as dysphagia. A study shows drinking hot water helps to break the food into small particles and moves them down. Thus, drinking warm water before bed can relieve symptoms of achalasia.
Fights Anxiety And Depression
Stress can lead to anxiety and depression. Low consumption of water increases stress in the body and impacts sleep. Moreover, stress and anxiety affect a person’s mood, further exaggerating the negative impacts of dehydration on the body and mind.
It will be beneficial to keep sipping hot water throughout the day, especially before sleep, to maintain the body’s water level. Moreover, drinking hot water will reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Thus, drinking warm water before bed will impact your mood positively.
Keeps You Hydrated
If you are wondering how much water is too much, here is the answer. The trusted guidelines say that women must consume 11.5 cups or 2.7 litres of water, and men should consume 15.5 cups or 3.7 litres per day. Drinking more than the suggested quantity may cause excess urination. Doctors recommend including water from fruits and vegetables too. Moreover, water consumption differs from person to person depending on age, height, location, health conditions, and body constitution.
Keep sipping hot water instead of gulping down one glass at once. How much water should I drink before bed? It will be beneficial to consume water as per the body’s needs. Your body gives hints by feeling thirsty.
Improves Circulation
Hot water expands the arteries and veins and helps the blood flow effectively throughout the body. Thus, blood gets adequately circulated in the body, reducing the risk of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Drinking hot water also relieves cold and cough. If you are suffering from respiratory issues, drink hot water before sleeping. As the water helps get rid of blockages causing breathing issues. Thus, you can enjoy a peaceful sleep and overall better health.
Drawbacks of Drinking Hot Water
As there are benefits of drinking hot water, knowing the drawbacks is vital to prevent any harm to the body. Below are the drawbacks you must consider before having hot water.
- Too hot water may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach.
- Slipping of water glass can harm aged people.
- Hot water is unsuitable when a person is already dehydrated or exercising, as it may cause sweating. Drinking water at room temperature is beneficial.
- People with pitta dosha or heat and acidity issues should avoid drinking hot water. Rock sugar has a cooling effect on the body and mind; thus, adding it to hot water will make it a refreshing and healthy drink.
Conclusion
Now, you know the pros and cons of drinking hot water. There is no need to spend a penny on expensive health drinks. However, you must be moderate while consuming hot water before bed or throughout the day. Ensure it is warm, slightly above room temperature. The significant health and mind issues will be reduced to much extent allowing you to live a healthy and happy life.
FAQs
How much water should I drink before bed?
It is not advisable to drink water right before going to bed. Instead, drink water at least two hours before going to bed. It’s because drinking water right before bed increases your chances of having nocturia. If at all you want to drink, drink less than 1 glass.
Is drinking hot water at night good for weight loss?
Drinking a glass of lukewarm water before bedtime aids in weight loss. Drinking hot water at night is also recommended by doctors because it helps to reduce excess body fat.
What is the best time to drink warm water?
Drinking warm water in the morning aids in the removal of toxins. On the other hand, warm water raises body temperature, which boosts metabolic rate. It aids in breaking down food molecules in the intestine, resulting in improved digestion and nutrient absorption.
Does drinking hot water affect kidneys?
Drinking warm water in the morning flushes/clears out kidney toxins and fat deposits in the intestine via the urinary region. It improves our blood circulation.
Is it bad to drink water before bed?
Drinking water before bed has several advantages, but drinking too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle and harm your heart health. You must drink enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and to avoid drinking too much water at night.
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