Do you know that too? The evening is slowly drawing to a close, it’s time to go to bed and somehow you’re still thirsty before you drift off into the realm of dreams? If you feel thirsty, you should always try to quench it, even if it is often not the usual kind of thirst in the evening. If you are mentally prepared for this, you can plan to drink water, diluted juices, herbal or fruit tea before brushing your teeth and then go to sleep with peace of mind.

Sudden thirst without a lack of water

Slowly the yawns get bigger and the eyes smaller – tiredness sets in. Even though many people seem to have had enough to drink in the evening, they often feel suddenly thirsty before going to bed. This thirst is not caused by a lack of water if you have previously drunk enough. According to studies by a Canadian research team at MacGill University, the internal clock is much more decisive for this evening thirst. The scientists studied the activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN for short, in mice. Simply put, the internal clock is localized in the SCN. The researchers also carried out an analysis of the thirst center of the small mammals. The focus of the investigations was on the mutual communication between different areas of the body. And this is exactly what the research group was able to prove.

When fatigue sets in, cells become active

Shortly before the start of the sleep phase, the Canadian research team found that the activity of some cells in the SCN increased in particular. The internal clock was in motion, so to speak. This results in an increased release of the peptide hormone vasopressin. This messenger substance has a direct effect on the thirst center, which results in a feeling of thirst. This increases the body’s need to drink something. Ultimately, this is a good strategy for the body, because drinking enough water is not only healthy, but vital. The body takes precautions, so to speak, as it does not yet know how long the nightly rest phase will last. The mouse study by Canadian scientists led by Claire Gizowski was able to prove that the body not only sounds the alarm in the event of acute dehydration    med.: Volumenmangel der extrazellulären Flüssigkeit, u.a. des Blutplasmas – dem Körper wird weniger Flüssigkeit zugef... due to a lack of water, but also takes good care of the body’s fluid supply via mechanisms of the internal clock.

Always take feelings of thirst seriously

People should always take the feeling of thirst seriously in order to maintain their health. Without water, the cells in the body cannot function normally. The cells consist largely of water. Cells in turn form tissue and organs. Before these are damaged in any way by a lack of water, the healthy body reliably shows its need for fluids in the form of thirst. The human organism is thus well equipped to maintain its health with a comprehensive system of special sensors. Do the same! The
regular and sufficient drinking
– throughout the day – of water and other suitable, non-alcoholic drinks will help you to stay vital and healthy in the long term.