Don’t Keep a Glass of Water Next to Your Bed Overnight – Here’s Why!
Many of us keep a glass of water on our nightstand before going to sleep. It seems convenient, right? You wake up thirsty in the middle of the night or in the morning, and there it is, ready to drink. But here’s something you might not know—leaving that water out overnight can actually be a bad idea. Read on to learn some important reasons why keeping that glass of water next to your bed isn’t the best choice.
Water Can Get Dirty During the Night
You might think that water stays clean if it’s in your room, but that’s not always true. A glass of water sitting out all night can easily get dirty. Dust, bacteria in the air, and even small bugs can end up in that open glass.
Think about it. The air in your room has dust and other tiny particles, and overnight, these particles settle on everything, including your water. If you have pets or if you live somewhere with lots of insects, it’s even more likely that something will end up in your glass. Therefore, when you drink that water in the morning, it could have dust, pet hair, or even tiny bugs in it.
Water Left Out Tastes Different
Have you ever noticed that water left out overnight tastes a bit weird the next day? This happens because when water is exposed to air, it can absorb carbon dioxide, which changes the water slightly. This makes the water taste stale and not as refreshing as fresh water.
While this change in taste isn’t harmful, it definitely doesn’t make for a nice drinking experience. And if you want a refreshing drink first thing in the morning, you probably want it to taste good.
Germs Can Grow in Your Glass
When you leave a glass of water by your bed, it’s not just dust that can get in. If you take a sip in the middle of the night and then put the glass back, some of your saliva mixes with the water. This can introduce bacteria, and those bacteria can grow in the water while you sleep.
Bacteria love moisture, and that glass of water is perfect for them. While it’s not likely to make you very sick, it’s definitely not nice to think about drinking water full of bacteria that have been multiplying all night. For people with weaker immune systems, this could even be a bit risky.
An Open Glass Can Easily Spill
Another reason why keeping an open glass of water by your bed isn’t a good idea is that it can easily spill. If you move around while you sleep or reach for something else on your nightstand, the glass can tip over. This is not only annoying to clean up, but if the water spills on electrical devices, it could be dangerous.
Water spills can also ruin books, your phone, or anything else you have on your nightstand. And nobody likes waking up to a mess!
What About Plastic Bottles?
You might wonder, “What if I use a plastic bottle instead?” A bottle might keep out dust and bugs, but it comes with other problems. Many plastic bottles, especially single-use ones, contain chemicals like BPA that can leak into your water over time.
If you leave a plastic bottle of water sitting out for hours, especially in a warm room, these chemicals can get into the water. Drinking water that has been in contact with plastic for too long could expose you to harmful chemicals, which some experts say might affect your hormones and health.
Use a Covered Container Instead
If you like having water close by during the night, using a covered container is a much better idea. Try a reusable water bottle made from safe materials, like stainless steel or glass, with a lid. This will keep dust and germs out, keep your water tasting fresh, and lower the chance of spills.
A bottle with a lid means dust, bacteria, and bugs are less likely to get in. Plus, if it tips over, most of the water will stay inside. It’s safer and more convenient.
Fresh Water Is Best for Your Health
Drinking fresh water is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy. Fresh water helps your body get rid of toxins, keeps your skin healthy, and supports all the systems in your body, like digestion and blood flow. But if the water you drink isn’t clean, you could end up drinking things your body doesn’t need.
For your health, try to drink water that hasn’t been sitting out for too long. When you wake up, it’s better to go to the kitchen and pour a fresh glass of water than to drink what’s been sitting out all night.
How to Stay Hydrated at Night Without Risks
If you often wake up thirsty at night, there are safer ways to make sure you have water nearby without risking contamination. Here are some easy tips:
- Use a reusable water bottle with a lid: This keeps dust and germs out and prevents spills.
- Keep a thermos by your bed: A thermos keeps your water clean and cool, which is more refreshing if you wake up thirsty.
- Drink enough water during the day: If you stay hydrated during the day, you might not need as much water at night. Just try not to drink too much right before bed to avoid bathroom trips.
Keeping a glass of water by your bed might seem easy, but it comes with risks—like getting dirty, tasting stale, and even growing germs. Plus, there’s always the chance of knocking it over and making a mess. Instead, try using a covered water bottle or just pour a fresh glass each morning.
Staying hydrated is very important, but it’s just as important to make sure the water you drink is clean and fresh. With a few small changes, you can have a clean drink of water whenever you need it—without the risks of leaving it out overnight.
