New Delhi: Water and Rest are two fundamental pillars of good health, yet their connection is often overlooked. Hydration plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, supporting cellular functions, and ensuring smooth physiological processes, all of which contribute to better sleep quality. On the other hand, sleep is essential for overall well-being, aiding in recovery, hormone balance, and mental clarity. Dehydration can lead to restlessness, muscle cramps, and fatigue, while poor sleep can affect hydration levels by disrupting the body’s natural balance. Understanding how hydration and sleep influence each other can help optimize health, boost energy levels, and improve daily performance.
In an interaction with News9Live, Shirly Daisy D, Nutritionist, Herbalife India, decoded the reason why hydration and rest are the most important components of health and wellbeing.
Does hydration solely depend on water intake?
Experts say, not entirely, while water is the primary source of hydration, the body also gets fluids from other beverages like herbal teas, milk, and electrolyte drinks, as well as water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, spinach, etc.
Did you know?
Dry mouth is an early to moderate sign of dehydration. As dehydration progresses, the body starts conserving water by reducing saliva production, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia). This can cause bad breath, swallowing difficulties, and sleep disturbances. Stay hydrated to keep these effects at bay!
Staying well-hydrated has numerous physiological and neurological benefits that enhance functional capacity. Hydration directly influences the cardiovascular system, digestive tract, musculoskeletal system, and, most importantly, mental health. One way to assess hydration is by weighing yourself before and after exercise. Comparing the difference helps determine sweat loss and Fluid needs. A body weight loss of over 1% indicates dehydration, while a loss of over 5% signifies severe dehydration.
The WHO recognizes sleep as a fundamental pillar of health, alongside nutrition and physical activity. Quality of sleep is essential for physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. When discussing sleep, it’s essential to highlight the role of circadian rhythm. It is our body’s internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and helps to produce certain hormones, too. One of which is Melatonin. Which is produced in response to complete darkness and regulates circadian rhythm.
Did you know?
Melatonin levels naturally start rising about 2 hours before bedtime, signaling your body to prepare for sleep.
Exposure to bright lights, especially blue light from screens, can delay melatonin release and disrupt your sleep cycle!
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aged 18- 64 aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
A quick summer cooler recipe to beat the heat
Ginger Lemon Iced Tea
Refreshing summer favorite with the goodness of ginger, honey, and lemon grass, with extra nutrients that will support your intestinal health and healthy skin
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cap full of Herbal aloe concentrate
- 1 sachet (10 g) HN skin booster
- 4 bags (20g) of black tea
- 8-10 spring (5g) mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon (5g) grated ginger
- 1 Stalk (5g) lemon grass
- 4 cups water
- 4 teaspoons (20g)of honey
- 1 Lemon (50 g)
Directions:
- Boil black tea, mint leaves, grated ginger, and lemon grass in 4 cups of water to make a concoction
- Bring it to room temperature and refrigerate it
- Add honey, lemon, HLC, and HN SKIN BOOSTER before serving
Experts say, not entirely, while water is the primary source of hydration, the body also gets fluids from other beverages like herbal teas, milk, and electrolyte drinks, as well as water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, spinach, etc. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
