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Does Drinking Water Before Bed Prevent a Hangover?

The 10-second answer

No, water before bed cannot stop a hangover. It helps with thirst from lost fluid, but broken sleep and other effects of alcohol still matter.

The simple answer

Drink the water. It's still a good idea. Alcohol makes you pee more, so you lose fluid, and that can add to thirst and tiredness. But losing fluid is only one part of a hangover. Broken sleep and an upset stomach can play a part too. Water does not fix those, and it cannot promise you won't have a hangover.

Myth vs Fact

Myth

A big glass of water before bed cancels out a big night.

Fact

NIH lists several causes of hangover symptoms beyond dehydration. Water addresses one of them.

The science

  1. NIHAlcohol suppresses a hormone that tells your kidneys to retain fluid, so you urinate more and end up mildly dehydrated.
  2. NIHHangover causes also include disrupted sleep, stomach irritation, inflammation, acetaldehyde exposure and mini-withdrawal.
  3. NIHThe only way to completely avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol at all or to keep intake to a minimum.
  4. HealthyWASpace each drink with water during the night to avoid dehydration.

Medical sources

How often people ask: High

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Sources are linked above. If you're worried about yourself or someone else, contact a healthcare provider or call 911.
Last checked: September 25, 2026