Everyone knows how important water is for human health, yet many people still fail to drink the required amount daily. This habit negatively affects the body and, according to experts, may even lead to sleep deprivation.
This revelation came in a new study conducted at the University of Connecticut, USA.
Experts stated that when the body becomes dehydrated, it becomes difficult to fall asleep, and upon waking the next morning, a person feels more tired.
The study involved 18 young participants who were observed in a laboratory for four consecutive days. On the first day, their body’s hydration levels were checked. On the second day, they arrived fully hydrated, while on the third day, they were instructed to drink less water. On the fourth day, they were allowed to eat and drink normally.
Urine samples were collected to assess dehydration, and participants were asked about their sleep quality and duration for example, how long it took them to fall asleep, whether they woke up during the night, and whether they dreamed.
The results showed that participants who were dehydrated had difficulty sleeping at night and felt tired upon waking in the morning.
Researchers noted that dehydration can have more severe effects on pregnant women and children.
This study was published in the journal SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine.
Earlier, a study conducted at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK found that drinking less water may increase mental stress. According to experts, individuals who drink less than 1.5 liters of water daily experience a 50% increase in the activity of cortisol a hormone linked to heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
