Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter #174 - Hydration and Sleep: It's In The Water
Oct 20, 2025
Explore the surprising connection between hydration and sleep quality! Discover how dehydration can disrupt your sleep architecture and raise your heart rate. Learn strategies for optimal hydration, including the best times and types of fluids to consume. Delve into fascinating studies linking sleep duration with hydration levels. Plus, find out how cultures differ in their fluid intake and the importance of humidification for a better night's rest. Hydration might just be the secret to improving your sleep!
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Don't Sacrifice Hydration To Avoid Nighttime Urination
- Prefer hydrating and waking once or twice to pee over staying dehydrated.
- Avoid rigid 'stop drinking early' rules; rehydrate when needed even if it causes nocturia.
Dehydration Activates Stress Physiology
- Dehydration raises plasma osmolality and triggers higher heart rate and cortisol.
- These sympathetic effects make falling and staying asleep harder.
Dehydration Disrupts Deep Sleep
- Mild dehydration reduces slow-wave sleep and increases micro-arousals.
- Animal data show dehydration can impair hypothalamic functions tied to sleep and temperature.