Quora user asks if water before bed prevents heart attack and stroke; doctor answers

Drinking water before bed is a common practice, but does it actually offer any protection against heart attacks or strokes? A Quora user asked this question, and a doctor provided an answer. According to Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, while staying hydrated overnight is important, there is no strong evidence that a glass of water before bed directly prevents heart attacks or strokes.

Cardiovascular health is more influenced by proper hydration throughout the day, controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, staying active, and following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Severe dehydration can lead to reduced blood volume and increased clotting risk, but for most healthy people, mild overnight dehydration is unlikely to trigger a heart attack or stroke.

Drinking extra water right before sleeping isn't necessary for most people, and it can lead to frequent bathroom trips during the night, disrupting sleep and potentially affecting cardiovascular health. People with heart failure or kidney disease should follow their doctor's specific fluid restrictions. So, while it's fine to have some water if you're thirsty before bed, there's no evidence that making it a bedtime ritual specifically protects against heart attacks or strokes.

For overall cardiovascular health, maintaining adequate hydration throughout the day and managing risk factors are far more important than when you drink your last glass of water at night.