Does drinking water before bedtime cause edema?

Jul 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 23-year-old female. I woke up this morning feeling significant facial swelling. I'm wondering if this might be related to drinking too much water before bed last night. Can drinking water before sleep cause edema?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Drinking a large amount of water before bedtime can indeed potentially cause edema, especially in sensitive individuals. This is mainly because the body's metabolism slows down during nighttime rest, making it harder for the ingested water to be fully metabolized, which may lead to fluid accumulation in the body, particularly causing mild swelling in the face and around the eyes. Additionally, the kidneys reduce urine excretion at night, and excessive water intake may increase the burden on the kidneys. However, moderate water intake generally does not cause noticeable edema. It is recommended to consume 2000 to 2500 milliliters per day. If you feel thirsty before bedtime, drinking a small glass of water is usually safe. To avoid edema, try distributing your water intake throughout the day rather than consuming excessive amounts at night. If morning swelling occurs frequently, it might be a symptom of other underlying health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders. In such cases, you should consult a doctor for evaluation.