Electrolytes could be the key to getting a good night’s sleep during hot summer months – with Glastonbury festival this weekend, campers should try these tips to maintain their hydration
If you have a history of troublesome sleep and are nervous about Glastonbury’s loud nights camping outdoors, this handy trick might provide a restful night sleep, even during the warm weather.
The recent heatwave has left Brits restless in bed, effecting sleep patterns across the nation due to the stifling summer nights. According to the Met Office, we’ve seen 47% more sunshine since April, and the dehydration that followed might be the reason the UK is struggling to sleep – but electrolytes could help.
Spacegoods founder, Matthew Kelly, pointed out that dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance can be assumed to interfere with sleep. Whilst there is no clear, negative correlation between a lack of electrolytes and sleep, the functional beverages company suggest that a low level of hydration is associated with a lack of successful sleep.
A large study exploring hydration and sleep found that case studies which logged less than six or less hours sleep per night, showed lower levels of hydration than those who gained at least eight hours of sleep. The study, conducted in China and the US, highlights the importance of remaining hydrated, especially through warmer periods.
Generally speaking, healthy people will lose fluids via sweat, tears, urine and stool – all of which are naturally replaced by the continued consumption of food and drinks.
However, during heatwaves the body attempts to maintain its temperature by increasing the amount we sweat, cooling the skin down, but also depleting our stores of water and salts (sodium and potassium), causing dehydration. When a person does not replenish these fluids and salts, by not consuming enough water or nutrients, they remain dehydrated.
Signs of dehydration
According to the NHS, signs of dehydration include:
- Dark yellow, poignant urine
- Thirst
- A decrease of urination
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Tiredness
- A dry mouth, lips and tongue
- Sunken eyes
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Treating dehydration
The solution to dehydration is a simple fix: electrolytes. These replenish both liquid levels and salts faster than a glass of water. A daily dose of electrolyte blends in the morning is both safe and smart planning, jumping ahead of summer plans in the sun that might leave us lightheaded.
Sticking to the recommended dosage, opting for electrolyte drinks during jam-packed weekends like Glastonbury can also reduce side-effects of dehydration such as fatigue, headaches, or dizziness. This is also a great way to prepare for any physical activity which may increase your body’s demands. Blends often include adaptogens and vitamin B12 that provide additional energy and aid one’s stamina- necessary for the three-day festival.
Electrolyte-rich foods
Electrolyte-rich foods provide minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, that aid nerve function, muscle contractions and pH balance, as well as hydration. By including these foods into your daily diet, you can say good bye to restless nights no matter the weather.
Electrolyte-rich foods to pack, which you can pack for Glastonbury:
- For potassium: Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, coconut water
- For sodium: Sea salt or pink salt (preferable to table salt), soy sauce, olives, pickles
- For magnesium: Seeds and nuts, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate (minimum 70 percent cacao), quinoa
- For calcium: Dairy products, fortified foods (such as cereals, orange juice, non-dairy milks), tofu, broccoli
- For chloride: Seaweed, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, deli meats
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