Ever noticed how a simple glass of water can make us feel instantly refreshed – like a wilted plant coming back to life? That’s not just in our heads; it’s definitely not a placebo effect either. Hydration plays a huge role in our mood, stress levels, and even sleep quality!
Grumpy or Just Dehydrated? Let’s Sip Before We Snap!
Our brain is about 75% water [1] – basically a water balloon! So what did we think would happen if we didn’t sip enough? Our brains will surely start throwing tantrums, and those tantrums look a lot like this. [1,2]
- “Staying hydrated can keep you from turning into a stressed-out gremlin internally! Studies show that people who drink enough water feel calmer, happier, and more focused. Dehydration, conversely, cranks up your cortisol (a.k.a the stress hormone), [3,4] making you feel like life is out to get you.”
Hydration Check: Are We Sippin’ or Dryin’ Out?
Alright, moment of truth! Are we still as cool as a cucumber or has this read turned us into a snappy grump because the brain is thirsty? Let’s find out with this quick quiz!
4 Quick Questions—No Cheating, We’ll Know! 👀
a. Pillow soft – I could be in a lip balm ad!
b. A little dry, but not quite Sahara desert yet.
c. Chapped, cracked… – where is my lip balm?!
a. Laser sharp – I’m a productivity ninja!
b. I just zone out but I am back.
c. Hmmm, what were we talking about again?
a. Light yellow-ish – I have an elite hydration level!
b. Kinda yellowish/orangey – I think my kidney is judging me.
c. No idea, why would I check my pee?
a. Like a baby – even my alarm couldn’t ruin it!
b. Wake up kinda thirsty, but sleep over anything.
c. 3AM thirst crisis… – am I at Sahara?
If your answer is…
Mostly ‘A’s
Your brain’s sharp, cortisol level is low, and your lips? Ad-worthy! Science backs it – proper hydration enhances cognitive function, regulates stress, and improves sleep quality.[5,6] So keep sipping – your body and brain are loving it!
Mostly ‘B’s
You’re on a rollercoaster ride – some days okay, some days buffering like a bad wifi. Just 1-2% of fluid loss can mess with focus, memory, and mood. Plus, less water raises body temp, wrecking our sleep.[5,7] Better start sipping enough from now!
Mostly ‘C’s
Danger zone! Your body’s crying for help from—parched lips, foggy thoughts, and midnight thirst—the unwelcome combo! Chronic dehydration raises core temp, stresses organs and increases heat-related illness risk.[8,9] Sip up – your body’s begging!
Sippin’ Before Sleepin’: Game Changer or Sleep Saboteur?
If dehydration can throw our body into overdrive by day, imagine the chaos at night. We’d be tossing and turning, then waking up feeling like we’d fought a bear.
But wait, wouldn’t it just lead to an annoying midnight bathroom marathon?
- Here’s the hack – spread those 7.5 glasses throughout the day. Then, 30 minutes before bed, sip a small glass to boost sleep without the 3 AM bathroom sprint. Now that’s hydration done right!
But hold up – 8 glasses a day isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Our body’s needs change with our diet, activity, health, and even the weather climate. So, tune in with your body and hydrate wisely!
Hydration Check with Spritzer!
While we’re at it, don’t stop at just hydrating when we can upgrade with Spritzer! This silica-rich water doesn’t just quench thirst—it helps keep us hydrated, well-rested, and in a great mood. Plus, it supports collagen production for plumper lips and glowing skin. Hydration that goes the extra mile? That’s multitasking at its best. Time to sip smarter so grab yours today!
References:
- Mitchell, H.H., Hamilton, T.S., Steggerda, F.R. & Bean, H.W. (1945) ‘The chemical composition of the adult human body and its bearing on the biochemistry of growth’, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 158(3), pp. 625–637.
- Edmonds, C.J., Crombie, R., Ballieux, H., Gardner, M.R. and Dawkins, L. (2013) ‘Effects of hydration status on cognitive performance and mood’, British Journal of Nutrition, 109(5), pp. 898–906.
- Veldhuijzen van Zanten, J.J., Thrall, G., Wasche, D., Carroll, D. and Ring, C. (2005) ‘The influence of hydration status on stress-induced hemoconcentration’, Psychophysiology, 42(1), pp. 98–107.
- Healthline (n.d.) Ways to lower cortisol naturally. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-lower-cortisol
- Armstrong, L.E., Ganio, M.S., Casa, D.J., Lee, E.C., McDermott, B.P., Klau, J.F., Jimenez, L., Le Bellego, L., Chevillotte, E. and Lieberman, H.R., 2012. Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. The Journal of Nutrition, 142(2), pp.382-388.
- Benton, D. & Young, H.A., 2016. Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and mental performance? Nutrition Reviews, 74(4), pp.179-189.
- Grandner, M. A., Fernandez, F. X., Sassoon, S. A., & Jackson, N. (2022). Hydration, electrolyte balance, and sleep quality: A review. Sleep Health, 8(4), 357-366.
- Cheuvront, S.N., Kenefick, R.W., Montain, S.J. and Sawka, M.N. (2010). ‘Mechanisms of aerobic performance impairment with heat stress and dehydration’, Journal of Applied Physiology, 109(6), pp. 1989-1995.
- Kerr, Z.Y., Casa, D.J., Marshall, S.W. and Comstock, R.D. (2013) ‘Epidemiology of exertional heat illness among U.S. high school athletes’, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(1), pp. 8–14.
Clara, BookDoc Dietitian
