4 key moments in hydration

Studying

Being well hydrated is important for physical and mental health. The brain represents only 2% of the body's weight, but gets 20% of blood circulation. When dehydrated, the blood volume in the body falls and there is a danger that the amount of blood - and hence the amount of oxygen and vital nutrients - that are supplied to the brain may also fall.

The performance of both physical and mental tasks can be adversely influenced by heat and by dehydration. The loss of even 1-2% of body weight - from about 500 mL to about 2 litres can make people feel less alert, less able to concentrate, and more tired. It can also increase the level of headache symptoms. Ensuring that we stay well hydrated allows the body to self-regulate and there is some evidence that it can reduce the severity of headache, tiredness and loss of concentration symptoms. This is clearly crucial when there is a need to concentrate on studying and learning.