The late American author, salesman, and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar famously said:
“Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the gotta have it scale.”
We feel the same way about H2O! Next to air (oxygen), water is the most precious resource on Earth.
Did you know that when we are born, our bodies are roughly 75% water—[i]about the same percentage of water on Earth? Just as water is important for sustaining life on our Blue Planet, it is equally vital for our health and well-being. It plays a key role in supporting our bodies and promoting healthy sleep.
We constantly lose fluids throughout the day and night. Maintaining balanced hydration is an important yet often overlooked aspect of staying healthy. Not to mention how healthy we look when we stay hydrated. Staying hydrated plumps up your skin cells for younger-looking, smoother skin.
We all know the importance of hydration—but why?
The Importance of Hydration for Health and Sleep
Water has many indispensable roles within the body. There is not a cell in your body that doesn’t require water to function properly. Hydration plays a significant role in our survival, supporting key functions like waste elimination, joint lubrication, and healthy sleep. It also helps regulate body temperature. This makes it one of the most important elements for overall health and well-being.
Being able to stay hydrated supports several key bodily functions, such as:
- Eliminating Waste: Hydration helps flush toxins from the body, promoting kidney and liver health.
- Lubricating Joints: Proper hydration helps your joints remain cushioned and move smoothly.
- Temperature Regulation: Water helps maintain an optimal body temperature. It prevents overheating or chills.
- Cognitive Function: Hydration supports clear thinking and sharp reasoning.
Dehydration disrupts these processes and can lead to various issues, including poor sleep. When your body lacks water, you might experience dry throat, nasal discomfort, or muscle cramps. All of the above effects can interrupt your rest.
Naturally, being in a state of dehydration is the last thing these tissues need. According to Medical News today,
“Dehydration can affect brain structure and function… Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.”[iii]
It’s not surprising that dehydration also has a detrimental effect on your sleep health, drying out the throat and sensitive mucous membranes in the nose or even leading to muscle cramps that cause you to lose valuable rest.
As the National Sleep Foundation puts it,
“In addition to the frustration of fragmented sleep, being dehydrated during the night can compromise your alertness, energy, and cognitive performance the following day[iv].”
The Link Between Hydration and Sleep Quality
Unfortunately, insufficient sleep may cause further dehydration. This was shown by a recent cumulative analysis of two separate studies; the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Chinese Kailuan Study. Altogether, the studies included over 20,000 people. The ensuing results speak for themselves:
“…Specifically, people who reported that they regularly slept for 6 hours or less each night were 16 to 59 percent more likely to be dehydrated than those who slept for 8 hours a night[v].”
Hydration: The Lifeblood of Your Body
Water is our lifeblood—quite literally. It makes up 90% of the blood that flows in our veins[vi]. Just as freshwater streams sustain life on Earth by flowing through capillary channels into main river arteries, our circulatory systems mirror this natural design. Water plays a central, life-sustaining role at the heart of both systems.
Supporting Oxygen Transport
Blood relies on water to transport oxygen to tissues and organs. Dehydration reduces blood volume. This makes it harder for the body to deliver essential oxygen efficiently.
Maintaining Heart Health
Hydration directly impacts the heart’s workload. When dehydrated, your heart must work harder to pump blood. This increases strain and can potentially lead to cardiovascular stress.
Improving Physical and Mental Energy
Adequate hydration boosts energy levels by supporting cellular metabolism. Proper water intake enhances brain function and reduces feelings of confusion or “brain fog.”
Without sufficient hydration, these functions are compromised. This may lead to fatigue, reduced mental clarity, and overall discomfort.
As summer days linger, prioritize hydration to support your health, rest, and sleep. Trying to drink water during the day keeps your body functioning at its best and lets you enjoy deep, restorative sleep.
Cheers to Health and Hydration
SAMINA Sleep believes in a holistic approach to health and sleep. Staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your overall well-being and sleep quality.
Just as our SAMINA Sleep Systems promote restful nights and support healthy habits, proper hydration complements this process. To your health, hydration, and a peaceful night’s sleep, we say, “Cheers!”
Citations:
[i] “How Much Water Is There on Earth?” USGS,
[ii] Mann, Denise. “Even Mild Dehydration May Cause Emotional, Physical Problems.” Web MD
[iii] Mann, Denise. “Even Mild Dehydration May Cause Emotional, Physical Problems.” Web MD
[iv] “The Connection Between Hydration and Sleep” – National Sleep Foundation
[v] Sandoiu, Ana. “Sleep Deprivation May Cause Dehydration” – Medical News Today, Fact checked by Gianna D’Emilio, Published Wednesday 7 November 2018
[vi] McIntosh, James. “Fifteen benefits of drinking water” – Medical News Today, Reviewed by Karen Cross, FNP, MSN Last updated Mon 16 July 2018