The #1 Sneaky Sleep Disruptor Isn’t Stress or Screens — It’s This
Key takeaways
- Author: Ava Durgin May 01, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen.
- According to a new study1, even mild dehydration can make it harder to drift off—and leave you feeling groggier the next morning, even if you technically slept longer.
- It’s a small but important reminder that one of the most basic biological needs (aka hydration) could be quietly shaping how well we rest.
Why this matters: practical guidance grounded in recent research or expert insight.
Author: Ava Durgin May 01, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She holds a B.A. in Global Health and Psychology from Duke University.Image by Tatiana Timofeeva / Stocksy May 01, 2026When I can’t fall asleep, I usually blame my phone, my stress levels, or that 4 p.m. coffee. But what if the real culprit is something far simpler…dehydration.
According to a new study1, even mild dehydration can make it harder to drift off—and leave you feeling groggier the next morning, even if you technically slept longer.
It’s a small but important reminder that one of the most basic biological needs (aka hydration) could be quietly shaping how well we rest.