Do you find yourself constantly tired and cranky regardless of the amount of sleep you got the night before? Ask yourself this – are you drinking enough water? If you’re unsure, you’re likely dehydrated.
Dehydration & Fatigue
You may not realize it, but fatigue is one of the major effects of dehydration. If you’re not drinking enough water, you’re not going to have the energy to get through the day. Experts suggest drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water a day. So for someone who weighs 150 pounds, it’s suggested that they drink at least 75 ounces of water a day! While that may seem like a lot, it’s really just 6 twelve ounce bottles a day. If you can ration 2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 2 in the evening, you’ll find yourself feeling a lot better in the AM.
The Science Behind It
Nearly all of your body’s systems depend on water to function properly. In regards to energy levels, water is crucial for proper digestion, helps your heart pump blood more effectively, and helps transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells. It also affects your brain—about 70 to 80 percent of your brain tissue is water—and fatigue and mood are closely related. In other words, dehydration will make you tired and cranky.
