Another Reason for Feeling Tired - Dehydration

by Catherine Pratt
www.Life-With-Confidence.com

While I was reading through a course recently, I found a reason for why you may be feeling tired.
The course material had a suggestion to increase your energy and it was such a simple idea and one you probably don’t even think about.
What is it?

Drink more water.

I discovered that most of us are chronically dehydrated and don't even know it. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are: brain fog, fatigue, and exhaustion.  Sound familiar?  They were all things I could definitely relate to.

I thought I did drink a lot of water but reading through his report, I realized it wasn't as much as I thought.

In the course, it suggests to drink “a bottle” of water as soon as you get up in the morning. Drinking water as soon as I got up wasn't something I'd tried before. I was more of a “throughout the day, whenever I remembered” kind of water drinker.

I thought it was worth a try though. If it didn't work, I hadn't lost anything and if it did work, it'd be such an easy solution to feeling tired.

So, now I drink 2 glasses of water as soon as I wake up and then another 2 after breakfast. After that, I drink another two glasses whenever I have a meal and also at different times throughout the day. So, all in all, I think I end up drinking around 10 or 12 glasses per day.

It's a minor change to what I was doing before but the amazing thing is that it has really made a difference for me. I used to struggle to wake up in the morning and also just to stay awake. About 2 or 3 in the afternoon used to be the worst time for me. I would get just so sleepy that all I would want to do is lie down and go to sleep. Since I've increased my water consumption, I don't have that anymore. I feel much more alert and awake now.

I must say, I'm pretty impressed what a difference a simple change like drinking more water can make.

I would never have guessed that I was dehydrated. As I said, I used to drink water throughout the day. It probably only added up to about 6 glasses at the most though. Some days would definitely be less.

12 Tips For Drinking More Water

If you want to give drinking more water a try, here are 12 simple tips and suggestions:

1. How much should I drink?
The formula I've heard for how much water you should drink is this:
Take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2.
Take the result and divide this by 8 (for 8 ounces of water)
This number is the approximate number of 8 oz glasses of water you should be drinking daily.

Example:
150 pounds / 2 = 75
75 / 8 = 9.375 or about 9.5 glasses of water each day.

This is just a rough guide. If you live in a hot climate or do a lot of exercise, then you'll need more.

You can also use this water calculator to help you determine how much water you should be drinking.

2. Drink as much as is comfortable
If you’re not used to drinking water, don’t force yourself. You’ll just end up feeling sick, bloated, and uncomfortable. Build up your water levels. Start with just one or two glasses first thing in the morning if you can and then build up.

3. "I have to pee every 10 seconds"
For the first day or two, this is what you’re going to be thinking. The good news is that your body will very quickly adapt to the new level of water you're drinking. But, it might be a good idea to start your experiment on a weekend or a day that you can stay close to the washroom.

If you find that it doesn't get better after a few days then try drinking smaller amounts of water more frequently.

4. Spread it out
Drink water throughout the day. If you try to drink it all at once, your body won't be able to absorb it properly. So, it's no good trying to drink 9 glasses of water for breakfast. Your kidneys can only filter 16 ounces of liquid in an hour and if you drink more than that, you could get yourself into medical trouble.  Instead, try to drink a little at least every hour.

5. Make it taste better
Adding a few drops of lemon helps greatly. Makes all the difference for me. I use the bottles of organic concentrated lemon juice you can buy in grocery stores. Then it's like having a glass of lemonade instead of tasteless water.

I also filter my water. I use a Big Berkey and the water tastes so much better without the chlorine. I also add magnesium to one of the glasses I drink every day which is something else that's known to help relieve fatigue.

6. Use an oversized mug

If you use an oversized mug which holds at least 2 cups of water, it's easier than continually filling up a regular sized glass. Also, if you make a herbal tea in an oversized mug, you're much more likely to drink all of it as opposed to convincing yourself to make another tea.

7. Pay attention to cravings
In the book, The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That Is Making You Fat and Sick

Dr. Richard J. Johnson says that a craving for something sweet is often a signal that you're dehydrated. So, if you're craving something sweet, try drinking some water first. (Great book by the way. I highly recommend reading it. You'll be motivated to stop eating sugar when you read what it does to your body)

Dr. Mercola says that the first sensation you might feel when you're dehydrated is actually hunger and to try drinking some water and then wait 20 minutes to determine if you're really hungry or were simply thirsty.

Remember that if you wait until you feel thirsty, your body is already well and truly dehydrated by that point. You need to drink even before you feel thirsty.

8. Crave more and more
I discovered that the more water I drink, the more water I crave. So, now I make sure I have a bottle of water that I can take with me when I'm out and about.

9. Scratchy throat?
One result I've experienced is that some days, I will now wake up with a scratchy, itchy throat. It feels like you've suddenly caught a sore throat. It seems to go away instantly if you drink your glass(es) of water.

10. Lose Weight?
In the course, it said you’ll lose weight by doing this. I haven’t noticed that. But, I could see how that would happen if you started drinking water instead of coffee filled with milk and sugar or something like juice or pop.

11. Sensitive to dehydrating drinks
I've noticed now that I've started drinking more water that if I drink something that is known to dehydrate like coffee, tea, or caffeinated drinks, then I will feel much more dehydrated later. I suppose your body likes the feeling of being hydrated and doesn't like you trying to dehydrate it again.

12. Don't sign up for the reality TV show, "Survivor"
The bad news with doing this is that if you ever get stranded on a desert island or go on a show like "Survivor", I think you'll be the first to go. I think once you're hydrated, you definitely feel the effects of dehydration much more than you did when you weren't drinking enough. The good news is that you are now so much healthier and won't be feeling tired anymore.

*********************************************************

Summary:

I've been really amazed by how much more energy I have now that I’m drinking more water. Before I started, I was finding that I was so tired and wasn’t able to concentrate that well. I was also starting to depend on drinking tea to get me through the day.

Anyway, if you've been feeling tired and having a hard time concentrating, it's worth a try. It's definitely easy to do, doesn't really cost you anything (unless you buy bottled water), and there shouldn't be any negative side effects for you. The only caveat to that is that just like anything else there is a point where you can drink too much water. So, don't go completely overboard but do give it a try.

Additional Ideas

Help Prevent Bad Breath
In addition to all the hydration benefits you'll receive from drinking plenty of water, you'll also avoid dry mouth, a major contributor to chronic bad breath. For additional information, read this interesting article on the Kiss Bad Breath Goodbye web site: Fourteen Guidelines To Help You Prevent Bad Breath.

Crohn's, Colities, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you have one of the above problems then you may be interested in reading, "Conquering Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn's Disease and Colitis" as to what he says about drinking water at mealtimes. He recommends that you don't drink any liquids during a meal or for one hour afterwards. He explains why in this report.

Related Articles for Feeling Tired All the Time

• Why Am I So Tired? My Personal Experience With SAD
• I'm So Tired. What Your Brain Might Be Trying To Tell You
• The Schwarzbein Principle - Nutritional Information on Why You Might Be Feeling Tired
• Benefit of Vitamin D and Feeling Tired
• The Bad Habit Of TV - What Are You Really Using It For?
• 11 Tips to Beat Low Energy Days

 <-- "All Articles" main page

Add Your Comments

If you'd like to add your own thoughts about this topic, simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Here's what others have said so far:

********************************

dehydrated really bad
Submitted by Brittney
Jan 16, 2013

Does dehydration make u tired?

__________________________

Comments for: dehydrated really bad

Jan 16, 2013

Yes, dehydration makes you very tired
by: Anonymous

Yes, being dehydrated can make you tired.

It's best to drink liquid (water is best) throughout the day. Or if you're going to be exercising or in a hot climate, drink more often.
It's very hard on your body to get dehydrated.

********************************

always dehydrated
Submitted by angelique, la
Oct 5, 2010

I'm drinking 62ozs of water a day ,plus why am i feeling so so dehydrated, i feel like im being poisoned, ha!!

__________________________

Comments for: always dehydrated
 
Oct 06, 2010
Get checked out
by: Anonymous

Hi,

Might be a good time to go for a check up with a doctor. They can make sure you don't have diabetes or something like that. You shouldn't be feeling dehydrated all the time if you're drinking that much water.

Don't take chances with your health, get checked out.

__________________________

Oct 18, 2010
See your health practitioner
Submitted by: Anonymous

Hi

Please go and see your Dr for a full check up asap.

___________________________

Oct 31, 2010
Symptom of low sugar level
by: Bindu Kumar

It's a classic symptom for low blood sugar level...consult a doc immediately

*******************************

very tired all the time.
Submitted by michelle
Aug 30, 2010

(wa) hi im a house cleaner i do 40hrs aweek,ive had to stop going to gym because i have no energy.I can eat heaps at work,and then still feel hungry after ive burnt it. I always feel so thirsty even though i drink water. I get 8hrs sleep,but when i get up to go to toilet at times,its hard to go back to sleep.i don't lose too much weight at all and im skinny. my doctor say my thyroids are fine, and iron. i sometimes do 1or 2 jobs,and still feel tired,im just stuffed all the time. Some mornings when i get up i still feel tired.

_________________________

Comments for: very tired all the time.
 

Aug 30, 2010
SAD
Submitted by: Catherine

Hi Michelle,

Have you ever looked into whether you have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? SAD is simply not getting enough light. Sounds strange I know that not enough sunlight would make any difference but it definitely does. I have some articles on my site about it, like this one SAD.

If you do have it, there's lots of things you can easily do to make changes for yourself and stop feeling so tired. So, it's something you might want to check out. Knowing what the problem is, is sometimes the hardest part. Once you know, then you can take action.

I know how frustrating it is to be tired all the time and just not know why. Definitely keep looking for the answers.

***************************************

arthritis pain
Submitted by Anonymous

Found drinking more water helps arthritis pain. Pain in knees has decreased a lot especially at night when trying to sleep. Trying to keep drinking enough water so I can get a goodnight sleep. On a drug for cancer which has negative effects on joints. Already had arthritis pains in knees before taking this drug. Pains got worst after I started drug especially when laying down to sleep. After increasing water intake sleeping much better.

Has to be the water. Thank God!!!

***************************************

easy done
Submitted by Anonymous
Jun 17, 2009

thank you that was too easy

**************************************

this is true
Submitted by Anonymous
Jan 3, 2013

Proven and tested by myself. correct. it's worth to try. it'll not cost anything from you. and you will surely discover yourself more productive and energetic all through out the day.

**************************************

Good
Submitted by Anonymous
Aug. 8, 2009

thank u 4 da info i am gettin really tired i cant concetrate @ work i even had a pregnancy test jus 2 ensure im fine which came bck negative so all this fatigue is killing me i done hv late night neither do i drink,, what could be the problem== Kuki

**************************************

i like the article
Submitted by Anonymous
May 16, 2010

I am suffering from sleep and concentration problem, surely will give a try thanks for sharing...

**************************************

I agree
Submitted by Anonymous
Dec. 22, 2010

Last year I came down with severe back problems and thought it was kidney infection or something because of the way I ached in my mid to lower back. I had stopped drinking coffee in the mornings and had not replaced it with another liquid and a month later the back ache began. After being tested by my doctor the results were that I was dehydrated. Good article and suggestion to all - Thanks

***************************************

I am no longer sooo tired!
Submitted by Anonymous
Jul 27, 2010

For the longest time I've felt SOOO tired! I then had 2 kids & it only got even worse! UGH! I was dragging & because I was so tired, everything would get on my nerves. I'm currently trying "Prosit" natural vitamins & now doing 2 hrs at the gym is easy! Yes, I'm happy!

***************************************

it actually works
Submitted by Anonymous
Mar 7, 2010

i tried drinking lots of water through out the day and never felt as tired as i did brfore its a good thing to know......thanks alot

****************************************

it works
Submitted by Anonymous
Jul 2, 2009

dude omg i just happened to come upon this and it works and i started to drink water more after being so tired everyday and it helped me

***************************************

Cool article
Submitted by iPhone development India
May 31, 2010

Really loved your article.I was feeling tired all day ..Will try this and let u know...THX

***************************************

sleep
Submitted by Tim (New Zealand)
Jan 21, 2010

I also have a sleeping, feeling tired problem, will try drinking more water as you suggest, thanks alot

***************************************

why is it so hard?
Submitted by Sarah P. (Jerusalem, Israel)
June 23, 2010

I am always tired and I"m always thirsty--i'm pretty certain that if I drink more, that'll get rid of both my problems. Yet I find it so difficult to drink water. I always say, "I'm too thirsty to drink." do you ever feel that way? Maybe i'm just lazy? my skin, hair, gums, and eyes, are all super dry. i'm much more inclined to drink juice, but can't really afford the calories. you've already offered good tips--i just need to motivate myself to follow them. the 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning is the first thing i'm going to adopt. that's when i'm the thirstiest. thanks for your tips!

_________________________________

Comments for: why is it so hard?
Jul 14, 2010
this is not an emotional issue
Submitted by: Anonymous

I want to tell you to please have your blood sugars checked by a doctor. You have talked about real physical symptoms that might be diabetes. You can do some research on the internet.

****************************************

Today I will start...
Submitted by: April, Abingdon Va.
Feb 24, 2009

Okay I just read this article and I am going to start drinking water right now. I am going to do it from here on out for two weeks and then report back into you. Thanks

*****************************************

I think this is what I've been looking for
Submitted by: Anonymous
May 31, 2009

I am going to give this a try. Thanks.

*****************************************

feeling tired all the time
Submitted by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2009

enjoyed reading your article about being dehydrated
and drinking more water

going to give it a try from to morrow it it works ill be delighted thanks!!!

*****************************************

A good idea
Submitted by Parvathy (Kerala, India)
Oct 7, 2009

I feel very tired nowadays, in the morning...so surely will give it a try. It feels as an easy step. Anyway will try this out.

Thanx for sharing this...

****************************************

Thanks Pal
Submitted by Anonymous
Nov 9, 2009

I am feeling quite the same, I am an IT professional and mostly I do night shift, I have been feeling the same way in the last 2 to 3 months, I used to think that its happening due to less amount of sleep I get, Then I tried sleeping more but never did it help me. It just made me realize that sleep is not helping either, After I read your article I did realize the fact that the amount of water I drink in a day is really less, Maybe a glass or two or even less. Thanks for the tip

Ciao

Comment:
If you're doing the night shift, you may also be short of light. This can cause what's called SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) which will also make you feel extremely tired. If water doesn't help, this might be something else for you to look into. A SAD light might help you if it is the lack of light.

******************************************

Thank you
Submitted by Taryn (New Zealand)
Nov 7, 2010

I have been feeling really tired, achy and just generally crap every morning. Im definately going to give this a go as I know I dont drink enough water. In fact I dont really drink any as coffee probably doesnt count lol. Thanks :)
Taryn

******************************************

Dehydration
Submitted by Cyndi
Nov 10, 2010

(Dallas) Despite the fact that I drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, I was recently hospitalized for severe dehydration. The doctors ran every test in the book, and couldn't figure out the reason. Do you have any suggestion?

******************************************

Drinking Water Helps
Submitted by Miko (Houston, TX)
Jan 22, 2011

I feel like I'm replenished whenever I drink water after a basketball game or two. It really makes me feel less tired and ready to take on another game or another activity. I am also trying to do the so called water therapy in which I would drink a liter(approximately) of water each time I wake up, around 2 hours before I eat my breakfast. It's really effective!

******************************************

Achiness
Submitted by by Kat (Rapid City, SD)
April 5, 2012

In the morning I feel like I have lifted weights all night long. I had my gall bladder out recently and I didn't feel any achiness afterwards until after about two weeks. The only thing that I can think of is that I had a salie IV so I was totally hydrated. I just don't have any other explaination and I just had a physical and all checks out. Of course the RX pushers say that is COULD be fybromalagia but I don't believe that at all.

******************************************

Long time dehydrated person just started a water routine
Submitted by Yves (Los Angeles)
Aug 6, 2010

I am so glad you mentioned that once you start drinking water your body will crave more (and you will be more sensitive to dehydrating drinks). I was starting to think there was something wrong with me.

I never thought to drink water (found it boring) for as long as I can remember and just drink fruit juice with an occasional water at the gym.

I suddenly had an epiphany that what looked like non-stop eczema on my face was an effect of serious dehydration. So I started a new routine a few days ago.

The dry redness on my face isn't completely gone but it's now more of a light shade of pink. I imagine in a couple of weeks I'll really start noticing a difference.

Since I started this regimen I feel dehydrated a lot (dried out, headachy, etc.) so glad to hear there's a reason for it.

_______________________________________

Comments for: Long time dehydrated person just started a water routine
Aug 16, 2010

make sure you're healthy
Submitted by: Catherine

If this doesn't settle down in a few days, then it might be a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. You want to make sure that you don't have diabetes or something.

*******************************************

this made me think
Submitted by Anonymous
Sept 3, 2011

I can really adapt to this I used to carry a bottle of water every single place I went noone seen me without one but iused to get teased about it and got told it was like a comforter for me but I was always thirsty so I took it :) but inow have bad anxiety and derealization like fogginess in the brain and its the most disturbing thing ever . But I'm now reading this and thinking wow I'm going to start drinking a lot of water again because I do remember I felt so much better when I drank a lot hmmm thankyou :D

*******************************************

other causes
Submitted by Yogesh (India, Maharashtra, Nasik)
Aug 31, 2011

Dehydration is of course the major cause of feeling sleepy and tired all the time. There are other causes too, like depression, anxiety, B12 deficiency, improper diet (low nutritional intake).
For me life changed in just a second due to an accident I met with an year back. Before the accident I was full of energy, perfect emotional n physical balance. I was totally healthy. I used to do pranayama and meditation.
But that accident landed me into a series of health problems including physical n emotional.
B12 deficiency was the typical problem which was hard to detect and proved very very bad for my physical n emotional health. Even after I started taking B12 shots, I was nervous bcz of the accident. and that caused many more problems. I always used to feel sleepy, tired.
then I started concentrating on my food and pranayama. I drank lots of water throughout the day. I ate vegetables and fruits. especially dates and apples. this gave me good nutritional input. Then i started the magical pranayama again. Pranayama itself, if done properly, cleans ur mind, improves all ur biological cycles, metabolism anabolism etc, functioning of each n every cell of ur body. It literally lifted me from those health problems and made me a perfectly healthy man!! very balanced mind! when u r balanced from inside, from ur breathing, then those around u feel it. In just 3 weeks again I became perfectly healthy.
if u want to know how to do pranayama, see this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e77exc7ukI
Its in Hindi. They have told 7 pranayamas in series, but I do only four of them daily (bhastrika, kapalBhati, bahya, anulomVilom) which takes only 22 minutes and gives 24 hour energy, freshness, health, better relations, better focus, concentration literally everything!!!

***********************************************

Follow