What to drink before bed: everything you need to know

In a nutshell

• It's generally a good idea to drink water before going to sleep. This way, you can prevent dehydration and a dry mouth at night.

• However, if you drink too much water before going to bed, this may interrupt your sleep if you need to get up in the night to go to the toilet, thereby reducing the quality of your sleep.

• The best solution here is to drink moderate amounts early on – ideally at least an hour before bedtime. The drink should also not be too cold.

Drinking mineral water in the evening: how minerals improve your sleep

As the name suggests, mineral water contains valuable minerals such as magnesium, calcium and sodium, which soothe our nervous system and aid night-time regeneration. For example, magnesium relaxes the muscles, while calcium can promote the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.

This is why a lukewarm glass of mineral water in the evening can actually help you to relax quicker. And if you normally prefer tap water, then you’re fine to carry on drinking it – tap water in certain regions may even have more minerals than sparkling water from the supermarket.

Drinking enough water improves blood flow and regeneration

Important processes take place in the body overnight – cells are repaired, muscles grow and the brain sorts memories. Water plays a central role in all these processes, as it supports the transport of nutrients, improves blood flow and stimulates the metabolism. Your body therefore regenerates better if you are well hydrated, provided that your sleep is not disturbed by needing to go to the toilet constantly.

The disadvantages of drinking too much water just before bedtime

Drinking water before going to sleep is not totally wrong – what’s more important is how much you drink and how your body reacts to the water intake. If you drink large amounts right before bedtime, this usually fills your bladder to the extent that it makes you need to go to the toilet at night.

Although getting up once is certainly manageable, frequent trips to the toilet interrupt your sleep cycle and often the important deep sleep phase as well. As a result, you wake up feeling more tired that you were before you went to bed.

Going to the toilet at night: an unhealthy annoyance

Frequent trips to the toilet at night can lead to real sleep disorders over time. Repeatedly getting up disrupts your sleep rhythm, which can have a long-term negative effect on your concentration, your mood and even your immune system. Older women are particularly affected by this, as they often have a more sensitive bladder than men and younger people.

Drinking water before going to bed: the best way to prepare for a night’s sleep

Drinking water before bed is healthy – but you should try not to drink too much too soon before bedtime and should also avoid very cold drinks. Sounds like staying well hydrated is a lot of work, right? Don’t worry – it’s not that hard. We’ll explain to you what you need to keep in mind.

Don’t drink anything right before going to bed

Ideally, drink your last glass of water 60 to 90 minutes before going to bed. This gives your body enough time to process the fluid and allows you to go to the toilet again before going to sleep. Deliberately reducing the amount you drink late in the evening can also help you get a better night’s sleep.

The perfect drinking temperature: hot is better than cold

Drinking ice-cold water just before you go to sleep stimulates your circulation unnecessarily – and that’s exactly the opposite of what your body needs at that time. In contrast, lukewarm water has a calming effect, strengthens your well-being and helps your body to fall asleep relaxed.

When is it good to drink water in the evening & at night?

If you wake up at night with a dry mouth or are feeling uncomfortably thirsty, there’s nothing wrong with a few sips of water. This also applies if you tend to sweat a lot, for example in the case of hot flushes – a little water can help to compensate for the fluid that has been lost.

Conclusion

Drinking water before bed is not taboo – it can even help the body regenerate and make it easier to fall asleep. However, it is important not to drink too much or too late in the evening. Ideally, plan your water intake earlier on in the evening and opt for warm drinks like lukewarm water and chamomile tea.

With a calming evening routine, good sleep habits and high-quality, breathable CALIDA sleepwear made from 100% cotton or TENCEL™, you can create the perfect sleeping conditions for yourself to ensure that you get a good, well-hydrated night’s sleep. This way, your body will start the day feeling refreshed and well-rested.