Scientists at the University of Connecticut have found that even mild dehydration can impair sleep quality and cause morning fatigue. A lack of water causes the body to sleep longer, but at the same time prevents recovery — which is why many people wake up feeling exhausted, even if they have spent the whole night in bed.
Lack of fluid in the body may be a hidden cause of morning fatigue and poor sleep. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Connecticut, whose work has been published in the journal SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine.
The scientists conducted an experiment involving 18 students who were offered different water consumption regimes over a four-day period. The results were unexpected: when slightly dehydrated, participants slept an average of one hour longer, but the quality of their sleep deteriorated — it took them longer to fall asleep, and in the morning they felt exhausted.
According to the researchers, hydration levels were measured by the colour and composition of urine, as well as by changes in body weight. These indicators confirmed that the less water in the body, the higher the risk of sleep disturbance and morning sleepiness.
Even mild dehydration, according to the authors of the study, is common for most people in everyday life and may explain feelings of chronic fatigue. The elderly, children and athletes are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to experience fluid deficiency.
Scientists advise maintaining water balance in the body, especially in the afternoon, in order to not only improve sleep quality, but also to wake up feeling truly rested.
