When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you notice is a dry mouth and a feeling of stiffness in your body. This is because your body consumes moisture during sleep and circulation slows down due to low activity levels. A glass of water immediately after waking helps to quickly restore this state and facilitates smooth bodily functions. Let’s explore the reasons behind this simple yet effective health habit.
Moisture is key for blood circulation and temperature regulation. During sleep, our body continuously loses moisture through respiration and sweat, causing the blood to thicken and the flow to slow down. A morning glass of water helps restore the body’s moisture balance, aiding proper blood circulation. When adequately hydrated, the regulation of body temperature becomes easier. In particular, during winter, the dry indoor heating can tire the body quickly, but water intake significantly alleviates this.
Our brain is composed of about 75% water, making it essential for concentration and memory recovery. Because of this, hydration directly impacts brain function. A morning glass of water helps jumpstart brain activity. A study by Caroline Edmonds’ research team at the University of East London (2013) verified this effect through experiments.
The research team provided 34 young adults with 200ml of water and then conducted an attention test. Participants who drank the water showed an improvement in reaction speed of up to 14%. The task used in the experiment involved identifying specific letters quickly from a random sequence of alphabets, evaluating both concentration and reaction speed. Participants who felt thirsty showed a greater improvement in reaction speed after drinking water.
The same research team conducted similar experiments with children. Children who drank water performed better in cognitive function tests than those who did not. The morning glass of water is not just a simple habit but a scientifically proven action that awakens brain function and improves concentration.
During sleep, the stomach and intestines are close to a dormant state. A morning glass of water provides hydration and a gentle stimulus to the stomach, signaling the digestive system to wake up. This activates the peristaltic movements of the intestines, promoting bowel activity necessary to start the day.
Especially for children, the elderly, or those with weak digestion who find it difficult to eat breakfast immediately, a glass of water helps gently kickstart digestion.
Although it’s a simple habit, the effects are clear. It is advantageous to drink lukewarm water, similar to body temperature, rather than cold water right after waking up. Around 150–200 ml is appropriate, and it is good to drink small amounts of water frequently before and after breakfast or during the morning to maintain moisture balance.
Attempts to consume a day’s worth of water all at once may actually burden the stomach, so adopting an attitude of consistently hydrating throughout the day, starting with a glass of water, is advisable.
Health starts with small but consistent habits, rather than ambitious resolutions. A morning glass of water is a simple yet quiet starting point that determines your condition for the day. This brief moment of hydrating synchronizes your body’s rhythm and becomes the foundation for maintaining vitality throughout the day.
Even in a busy daily routine, just one minute is enough. As soon as you wake up, a cup within reach can change the direction of your health. The small and clear practice of having a morning glass of water makes your day lighter.