Why am I so Thirsty at Night? Possible Causes and What You Can Do About It
Do you find yourself reaching for a glass of water in the middle of the night? If so, you’re probably asking the all-important questions ‘why am I always thirsty when I wake up?’ and ‘what can I do about it?’ In this post, we will deliberate what causes us to become thirsty at night, and tips to prevent this from happening in the future. For example, thirst and salt cravings are intrinsically linked as part of the tightly controlled RAS system which will either cause you to crave salt, or thirst for fluid. We will also discuss times when excessive thirst becomes more serious, with symptoms to look out for, and when we should seek medical support. Just imagine how good you will feel after a full night’s sleep because you are adequately hydrated. We bet you can’t wait!
Why Do We Get Thirsty?
Thirst is your body’s way of signaling that your fluid and salt levels need attention. It all begins in the hypothalamus, which keeps track of your water and salt balance. If you're low on fluids or your salt levels rise too much, the hypothalamus triggers thirst to restore balance.
Thirst and salt cravings are tightly connected, controlled by the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). This system decides whether your body needs more water or salt, depending on what is out of balance.
The hormone Vasopressin also helps by telling your body to hold onto water when you're dehydrated, while encouraging you to drink more. Whether it’s thirst or a salt craving, your body is always working to keep everything in check and ensure you're properly hydrated.
Why I am Always Waking up Thirsty?
There are several reasons as to why you always wake up thirsty. Have a look at our list below and see if any of these sound familiar:
Dehydration
Arguably, the most common reason you are waking up thirsty is because you are not sufficiently hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration occurs when you have an imbalance of fluid or electrolytes in your system, and this could be due to simply not consuming enough, or not compensating for losses such as when exercising, or in hotter temperatures. As well as feeling thirsty, you are likely to experience other symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, or generally feeling dry in the mouth, throat, lips or skin.
Electrolyte or fluid loss
It’s completely natural for our bodies to lose fluids and electrolytes overnight, but can be even more apparent for those who sleep with their mouths open, have a sleep condition such as obstructive sleep apnea, or have consistently poor sleep quality. This is because sleeping with the mouth open makes it more susceptible to becoming dry. Poorer sleep is also linked to a reduction in the hormone that maintains adequate fluid levels throughout the body. So, if you’re wondering why am I so thirsty in the morning? It could actually be because of the way you are sleeping.
Medical conditions
Diabetes is a common reason why you might be waking up thirsty. Higher blood sugar levels can cause you to feel excessively thirsty, as well as increase your need to visit the bathroom. Additionally, a recurrent side effect from some medications may lead to a dry mouth and leave you feeling thirsty overnight.
Diet
Foods containing their fair share of salts or sugar, especially if consumed nearer bedtime, could be a reason for your extreme thirst. I think we are all aware that a salty mouth leaves us feeling thirsty, but sugary foods and drinks will also imbalance our blood sugar levels, which also causes thirst.
The environment
What’s happening around you could also be a cause as to why you always wake up thirsty. Sleeping in a dry room, often apparent in winter or air-conditioned spaces, can cause dryness in the mouth and throat. Additionally, humid air can also affect how much you sweat, leaving you to become thirstier.
Hangovers
If you’re wondering, why am I always thirsty when I wake up? Especially after consuming alcohol the night before, then think about what alcohol does to our body. You may notice that you have to urinate more often when drinking, therefore losing your fluid count. Alcohol is a dehydrating substance, and if you aren’t mindful to replace your water and electrolytes at the same time, your body will become imbalanced, and therefore, thirsty. If you’ve gone a little overboard, you are also more likely to become sick, which is another huge contributor to becoming dehydrated.
When Dehydration Becomes More Serious
As you can see, there are many reasons to answer, why am I so thirsty at night? These scenarios are fairly normal, and shouldn’t affect your day-to-day life. But can it mean more than just being thirsty? In some rarer occasions, consistently waking up thirsty could mean that you have an underlying health condition. If you experience any additional symptoms such as vomiting, fever or abdominal pain, then consult your doctor. Some health conditions associated with excessive thirst are Alzheimer’s disease, strokes or nerve damage, so it’s definitely worth getting checked out if you are at all concerned.
Rehydration is so Much More Than Just Drinking Water
Everyone knows that we need to drink water to stay hydrated, and of course, that’s really important. But were you aware that there are other ways to maintain your hydration? If you are always waking up at night due to thirst, drinking water alone may not be the perfect solution. It’s also essential to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes, which include magnesium, sodium and potassium. You can find these in certain sports drinks and electrolyte supplements, but can also be found in foods such as brown rice, cheese and avocado.
Top Tips to Avoid Becoming Thirsty at Night
If at the moment, you are always waking up thirsty, then it may be a good idea to peruse our methods to prevent this from happening in the future:
Drink plenty of water
The trusted favourite is of course to drink lots of water throughout the day. Make sure water is accessible to you at all times by carrying a reusable water bottle with you. If remembering to drink is your issue, then you may find it useful to set regular timers on your phone to help combat becoming dehydrated, and therefore, thirsty overnight.
Consider adding electrolytes
Think about what you eat and drink in a day, could you add any more electrolyte-rich foods and drinks to your diet? Adding a daily electrolyte supplement like Sodii to your daily regimen ensures that you keep up with your hydration levels by replacing the electrolytes lost during the night, giving you the energy you need to start your day.
Readdress your medication
With your doctor’s support, it may be wise to adjust your medication if you suspect this is the reason why you are saying, why am I so thirsty in the morning? It may be as simple as adjusting the time you take it.
Seek support for sleep apnea
If you feel that you have sleep apnea and this is the cause of your excessive thirst, then it would be a good idea to gain medical advice from your doctor. They will be able to give you a diagnosis, and if required, appropriate treatment.
Manage your diet
Choosing a more balanced diet will help you become more hydrated throughout the day. Try to avoid overly salty or sugary foods, especially last thing before bed.
Improve the environment
Check the air quality in your room, is it especially humid, or dry? You may choose to invest in a dehumidifier to combat this issue and make sure there is plenty of ventilation to guarantee a comfortable night’s sleep.
Say Goodbye to Feeling Thirsty Overnight
As you can see, there are many reasons as to why your slumber may be interrupted due to thirst. Did any of these ring true to you? If so, try adjusting your routine slightly to see if that makes a difference. Of course, there are times when this may be unachievable, but if you recognise the importance of hydration and can incorporate these small changes into your daily life, you will no doubt see a whole lot of benefits. Alternatively, if you have tried everything but are still waking up thirsty, it may be time to consult your doctor for peace of mind.
