Why should we not drink lemon water at night? Understanding the potential risks.

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, the acidic nature of lemon juice can be particularly damaging to tooth enamel, especially during the low-saliva hours of sleep. This is one of the key reasons why we should not drink lemon water at night, as it can potentially lead to long-term dental problems.

Quick Summary

Nightly lemon water consumption may lead to dental erosion, aggravate acid reflux symptoms, and disrupt sleep patterns due to its diuretic effect. The timing of consumption affects its impact on the body, with morning or midday being preferable for most individuals.

Key Points

Dental Erosion Risk: The citric acid in lemon water can erode tooth enamel, especially at night when saliva production is low, leading to irreversible damage.
Aggravated Acid Reflux: The acidic nature of lemons can trigger or worsen heartburn and acid reflux, which is more common when lying down.
Sleep Disruption: The diuretic effect of drinking liquids before bed can cause nighttime urination, interrupting your sleep cycle.
Digestive Upset: For sensitive individuals, late-night consumption can lead to bloating or stomach discomfort that hinders restful sleep.
Best Time for Consumption: The morning or midday is a better time for lemon water, as increased daytime saliva flow provides better dental protection.
Protecting Your Teeth: Using a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water helps mitigate acid's effects on enamel.

The Surprising Risks of Nighttime Lemon Water

While warm lemon water in the morning is often touted for its benefits like aiding digestion and providing a vitamin C boost, consuming it late at night carries several potential drawbacks. These issues can affect your sleep quality, dental health, and digestive system, making it a less-than-ideal bedtime beverage for many people.

Dental Erosion: A Silent Nighttime Threat

The primary concern with drinking lemon water at night is the impact of its high acidity on your tooth enamel. During sleep, reduced saliva production leaves teeth more vulnerable to acid attacks from the citric acid in lemons, which can lead to irreversible erosion. Sipping lemon water before bed exposes your teeth to this acid for extended periods.

Aggravated Digestive Issues

Consuming lemon water at night can be problematic for individuals prone to digestive issues. The acidity can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux and heartburn, especially when lying down. It may also irritate a sensitive stomach, causing discomfort that interferes with sleep.

How Nighttime Lemon Water Disrupts Sleep

Proper sleep is essential, but drinking lemon water before bed can interfere with it due to its effects on urination and potential mental stimulation.

Increased Urination and Interrupted Sleep

Drinking any significant amount of fluid, including lemon water, before bed can lead to increased nighttime urination. This diuretic effect can fragment sleep, preventing you from reaching deeper sleep stages.

Mental Stimulation

Some anecdotal evidence suggests the citrus flavor of lemon can be mentally stimulating for certain individuals. While further research is needed, this effect could hinder the relaxation required for sound sleep.

Choosing the Right Time: Morning vs. Night

Timing is key to maximizing lemon water's benefits while minimizing risks. Here is a comparison of how your body reacts to drinking lemon water at different times of the day.


Feature	Drinking Lemon Water in the Morning	Drinking Lemon Water at Night
Dental Health	Lower risk of erosion, as saliva production is higher to neutralize acids. Still recommended to use a straw and rinse.	Higher risk of enamel erosion due to reduced saliva flow during sleep.
Digestion	Can stimulate digestive juices, helping to kickstart the digestive system for the day.	May worsen acid reflux or cause heartburn due to lying down and high acidity.
Sleep Quality	No impact on nighttime sleep. Can contribute to overall hydration throughout the day.	Increased urination can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to nighttime awakenings.
Hydration	Rehydrates the body after a long night of sleep.	Can lead to a mild diuretic effect, potentially causing dehydration if not managed.

Practical Tips for Safe Consumption

If you choose to drink lemon water, these guidelines can help protect your health:

Consume Earlier in the Day: Drink lemon water in the morning or early afternoon to avoid sleep disruption and nighttime dental risks.
Use a Straw: Using a straw minimizes contact between the acidic liquid and your teeth.
Rinse with Plain Water: After drinking lemon water, rinse your mouth with plain water to help neutralize the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Dilute Heavily: Use a small amount of lemon juice in a large glass of water to reduce acidity.

Conclusion

Drinking lemon water at night poses risks such as dental erosion, exacerbated acid reflux, and disrupted sleep due to frequent urination. These potential drawbacks often outweigh any perceived benefits when consumed before bed. The body's reduced saliva production and resting digestive system at night are not well-suited for acidic beverages. To enjoy the advantages of lemon water without these issues, consume it in the morning or midday. Consider non-acidic drinks like plain warm water or herbal tea for better sleep. More information on the effects of diet can be found through authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the body detoxifies itself naturally, drinking warm lemon water at night is not scientifically proven to enhance this process. Its potential to disrupt sleep and cause digestive issues might outweigh any perceived benefits.

Neither hot nor cold lemon water is recommended at night due to the high acidity, which can cause dental erosion and acid reflux. The temperature doesn't negate these risks, and drinking any fluid before bed may lead to sleep-disinterrupting urination.

Using a straw helps reduce contact with your teeth, but it doesn't eliminate the risk entirely. The liquid will still come into contact with your teeth, especially if you sip it slowly. The acidity can also still contribute to acid reflux.

Consider non-acidic and decaffeinated alternatives like plain warm water, chamomile tea, or ginger tea. These options are less likely to cause acid reflux or dental erosion and can promote relaxation.

Yes, drinking a significant amount of any liquid, including lemon water, before bed can increase the need to urinate at night. Lemon's mild diuretic effect can contribute to this, potentially disrupting sleep.

Diluting lemon water can decrease the concentration of acid, but it will not completely remove the risks of dental erosion or digestive irritation. For nighttime, it's best to avoid acidic beverages altogether.

Yes, if you are prone to acid reflux, it is best to avoid lemon water at night. The acidity can worsen symptoms, especially when lying down. Opt for a drink that won't irritate your stomach lining.