Improve Sleep. Drink During the Day.

Most people don’t think of movement as a way to improve sleep, but using a somatic-approach to processing your thoughts and emotions is extremely valuable in going to bed with a mind at peace. Do you know what other practical tips we tell folks? Hydrate yourself during the day instead of chugging water in the evening. 

Here are some ways that drinking water at night can disrupt sleep:

• Increased urination. When you drink water, your kidneys have to work harder to filter it out of your blood. This can lead to increased urination, especially at night. If you have to get up to use the bathroom multiple times during the night, it can disrupt your sleep and make it difficult to get a good night's rest.
• Dehydration. If you don't drink enough water during the day, you may wake up feeling dehydrated. This can make it difficult to fall asleep and can also lead to waking up during the night.
• Night sweats. Drinking water before bed can also increase your chances of experiencing night sweats. Night sweats are episodes of sweating that occur while you are sleeping. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, illness, and certain medications. Night sweats can make it difficult to sleep and can also disrupt your sleep.
• Increased heart rate. Drinking water before bed can also increase your heart rate. This is because the body has to work harder to process the water. A higher heart rate can make it difficult to fall asleep and can also disrupt your sleep.

If you are concerned about drinking water at night, it is best to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine how much water you should drink during the day and night to avoid disrupting your sleep.

Here are some tips to help you avoid disrupting your sleep by drinking water at night:

• Avoid drinking large amounts of water before bed. If you do need to drink water before bed, try to limit yourself to a small glass.
• Go to the bathroom before bed. This will help to empty your bladder and reduce the chances of having to get up during the night.
• Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can dehydrate you and make it more likely that you will wake up during the night to use the bathroom.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This can help you to wind down before bed and make it easier to fall asleep. Maybe you use the “Wind Down Routine” in the Getting Started series on Movement Genius? 
• Get regular movement. Exercise or intentionally increasing movement can help to improve sleep quality, just avoid exercising too close to bedtime. 

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you get a good night's sleep without being disrupted by drinking water because we’re telling you… staying hydrated throughout the day will make your nighttimes more restful.