A couple of days ago, I wrote, “Two Cups of Water First Thing Each Morning,” which is about how I start my day by drinking water.
Brenda Marie Fluharty made a comment that got me wondering about drinking room temperature vs. drinking cold water. So, I did some research about the pros and cons of each. Here is what I found.
I knew that drinking water first thing in the morning is widely touted as being a good thing. And in an unscientific way, folks who commented on my post also confirmed this. One reason for this is that after hours of sleep, your body becomes dehydrated; replenishing with water can jump-start your metabolism, improve cognitive function, support digestion, and boost overall energy levels. Most sources recommend 8–16 ounces (about 250–500 ml) of water immediately upon waking for optimal benefits. You can check out Drinking Water In The Morning for more details.
Now, when it comes to room temperature vs. cold water:
- Room temperature water may be easier on your digestive system, can promote better hydration (since it’s absorbed more efficiently), and is gentler for those with sensitive stomachs, teeth, or throats. It can also support metabolism, aid circulation, and stimulate digestion right after waking up. Many health sources recommend room temperature (or slightly warm) water in the morning, especially for rehydrating after sleep.
- Cold water is not harmful and might be more refreshing for some, particularly after a workout or in hot weather, but it can cause blood vessels in the digestive tract to constrict, which may slightly slow digestion. Cold water may provide a small boost in alertness by stimulating adrenaline, but for morning rehydration and digestive support, room temperature water tends to be favored.
What does this all mean:
Drinking water first thing in the morning is good for you. Room temperature (or slightly warm) water is often considered the best choice for morning hydration because it is gentler on digestion and supports natural metabolic processes, but what matters most is that you hydrate consistently -regardless of the temperature you prefer.
For me, I will be leaving water out the night before, and drinking it at room temperature. Case Closed.
I don’t mind drinking water at room temperature. It’s better than a glass of cold water that’s full of ice that bang up against my (sensitive) teeth! Sometimes, water doesn’t remain at room temperature. One day, I was working all day in a garden. When I drank out of my water bottle, I realized that the water was borderline hot and I thought to myself, “I should have put a tea bag in that.” Water in the form of tea is always yummy, too.
UGH – hot water is the worst for me when I am outside doing work and my water bottle was in the sun! Technically, I guess the water can get hotter than the air temp depending on the water bottle. Typically, I generally just grab a plastic bottle I use at the gym, so nothing fancy, no insulation, etc. And, (just guessing here) the ‘greenhouse’ effect can take place and actually get hotter in the clear bottle than if it was a dark bottle.
Thanks Paul. Now, what are the benefits of adding lemon juice to the water?
Some weight loss gurus promote the benefits of cold showers or even ice baths.
I say “Whatever floats your boat” 😉
I have heard good things about lemon – and not so good things… Nothing conclusive at this point (that I know about). Many people do not like it because it erodes the enamel on teeth, and other says it helps provide taste. Thanks for adding more research for me to do, Doug!
As far as the ice plunge crazy – that was big a few years ago, I remember, and I guess people are still doing it. Not for me!
I too drink water first thing in the morning.I drink warm water most often because it makes me feel better and the throat feels less dry .Liked how you concluded the post.
Thanks, Dr. A. I started with room temp this morning. Not too bad – LOL.
I don’t mind warm or room temp water, I keep a bottle on my nightstand when I wake up with my mouth so dry it’s almost glued shut. Water has always been my go do drink. As for the lemon, my health conscious grandson always added fresh squeezed lemon to his morning glass of warm water.
I usually have a glass of “night water” by my bed as well. And as for the lemon – it does add a nice little flavor to it.
This was interesting reading about the impact of cold water and room temperature water on our bodies. I am working on drinking more water throughout the day. I usually start my day with tea or matcha, but notice I get thirsty after those.
Everything that I have read about water intact says you need to drink water, water… Not Tea. Not Coffee. Not anything added to it. Give plain water a shot and see what happens!