Hot lemon water may have some health benefits, such as helping with cold symptoms. However, claims about the health benefits of drinking hot lemon water before bed currently lack any evidence.

Hot lemon water has a long history of use in alternative medication. For example, people use diluted lemon to treat a sore throat or clear nasal passages.

This article discusses whether hot lemon water before bed has other health benefits.

A person slicing lemons to make hot lemon water before bed.Share on Pinterest
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Hot lemon water is a mixture of plain water and lemon juice or a slice of lemon. Water is essentialTrusted Source for many bodily functions, including temperature regulation and waste removal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source highlights the importance of water in preventing dehydration. Dehydration can cause problems such as changes in mood, difficulty thinking, and other physical complications. Drinking a glass of hot lemon water before bed is one way to stay hydrated.

Lemon is also a source of vitamin C, which has several health benefitsTrusted Source. For example, vitamin C helps to protect cells from damage and supports the production of collagen, which helps wounds heal.

There are many health claims about the benefits of drinking hot lemon water, from moisturizing the skin to preventing cancer.

There is a lack of research that specifically examines the health benefits of drinking hot lemon water before bed. Some studies do focus on the possible health benefits of general hydration.

A 2019 reviewTrusted Source suggested that most health claims for additional hydration lack evidence. For example, they found limited evidence that hydration could improve thinking skills, reduce kidney stone risk, or support weight loss.

The authors concluded that there are possible benefits to additional hydration, but more research is necessary.

Improving mood

A small 2014 studyTrusted Source in 52 people examined the effects of increasing water intake in those with low hydration and reducing intake for those with high hydration.

The researchers found that increasing water intake in people with low hydration improved their calmness, satisfaction, and sleep. They found the opposite effects when reducing water intake in the other group.

A more recent 2020 study found that drinking water can improve a person’s memory, reduce fatigue, and total mood disturbance. The authors note that although 500 milliliters (ml) was the optimum amount of water to improve mood and cognitive performance, 200 ml was enough to reduce anger, fatigue, and total mood disturbance.

Some people may find hot lemon water before bed relaxing. The experience might be beneficial for inducing sleep or improving sleep quality.

Reducing cold symptoms

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests drinking a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat associated with a cold.

Lemons also contain vitamin C. A 2023 articleTrusted Source notes that taking vitamin C every day can slightly shorten the amount of time a person is ill from a cold. However, the authors note that this will not work if a person starts taking vitamin C if they already have cold symptoms.

Other possible health benefits

Hot or cold lemon water could have benefits at any time of day, such as:

  • Weight management: A 2024 review found some evidence that drinking water could help with weight loss, but only if the water is replacing sugary drinks.
  • Natural detoxification: A small study in 2020Trusted Source found that drinking water may support kidney function and dilute toxins in the blood.
  • Reduced risk of heart disease: A 2019 paperTrusted Source suggested that some compounds in citrus could reduce the risk of heart disease, but studies are necessary to test this claim directly.

Lemon water is generally safe for most people to consume. However, some may experience side effects if they consume large quantities.

For example, the acid in lemon water may cause tooth enamel erosion.

It is also important to note that drinking liquids directly before bed may disrupt a person’s sleep.

People with weakened tooth enamel or who are at risk of teeth problems should discuss with a dentist before regularly consuming lemon water before bed.

People looking to use lemon water as a treatment should first talk with their doctor. A doctor can assess the condition and determine if other treatments are necessary to take with the hot lemon water.

Mix lemon juice or a lemon slice with boiled water to make hot lemon water. The ratio of lemon to water will vary depending on personal preferences.

Some people may prefer warm water instead of boiling. To warm the water, use a kettle, hob, or microwave.

Hot lemon water may induce relaxation before bed, which could help with sleep. It can also help with general hydration. Lemon contains vitamin C, which is important for several bodily functions.

Hot lemon water may provide other benefits, but there is a lack of evidence behind most health claims. Direct research into the benefits of drinking hot lemon water before bed is necessary to determine its effects.

People will make hot lemon water in a variety of ways. But the recipe usually involves mixing boiled water with lemon.

Hot lemon water is generally safe for most people.