10 Disadvantages of Drinking Lemon Water at Night Before Bed

By Alex Assoune Jul 23, 2025

Lemon water is widely praised for its health benefits. From detoxifying the body to aiding digestion and boosting hydration, it's often recommended as a go-to wellness drink. However, timing matters—and while many people enjoy a glass of lemon water in the morning, others are curious about drinking it at night.

But is drinking lemon water before bed a good idea?

The answer is: not always. While it may be harmless for some, there are several potential disadvantages to drinking lemon water at night that are worth considering. These side effects range from disrupted sleep to acid reflux and dental concerns.

In this article, we’ll explore the scientific and physiological reasons why lemon water at night may not be ideal for everyone, and what you can do instead.

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What Is Lemon Water?

Lemon water is a drink made by adding fresh lemon juice or slices to plain water. It’s rich in:

Vitamin C
Citric acid
Flavonoids
Potassium
Essential oils like limonene (if the peel is included)

While these nutrients offer numerous health benefits, lemon’s high acidity and its effects on digestion and hydration make it a double-edged sword when consumed before bed.

10 Disadvantages of Drinking Lemon Water at Night

1. May Cause Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)

Lemon water has diuretic properties, which means it increases urine production. Drinking it at night—especially close to bedtime—can lead to:

Interrupted sleep
Frequent trips to the bathroom
Dehydration in the morning

Nocturia affects sleep quality and can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and hormonal imbalance over time. It’s especially common in older adults and people with underlying conditions like diabetes or kidney issues.

Tip: If you want lemon water, drink it at least 1–2 hours before bed to reduce this effect.

2. Can Trigger or Worsen Acid Reflux (GERD)

Lemon is highly acidic, and for people prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, it can be a trigger.

Symptoms may include:

Burning sensation in the chest
Sour taste in the mouth
Nighttime coughing or choking
Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

Lying down shortly after consuming acidic foods or drinks increases the risk of acid reflux. Lemon water before bed may worsen symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus.

3. May Cause Tooth Enamel Erosion

Even when diluted in water, lemon juice contains citric acid, which can wear down your tooth enamel over time. This risk increases if you:

Sip lemon water slowly
Brush your teeth right after drinking it
Don’t rinse your mouth with plain water

At night, your saliva production decreases, making your teeth more vulnerable to acid damage. If lemon water is the last thing you consume before sleeping, you expose your teeth to acid without adequate protection from saliva.

4. Can Irritate the Bladder

Lemon water’s acidity and diuretic effects can irritate the urinary bladder, especially in people with interstitial cystitis or sensitive bladders.

Common symptoms include:

Urgency and increased frequency of urination
Bladder discomfort or burning
Interrupted sleep

If you notice increased nighttime urination or irritation, cutting back on acidic drinks like lemon water in the evening may help.

5. May Disturb Sleep Patterns

Beyond frequent urination, drinking lemon water too close to bedtime may stimulate your metabolism or digestion, which keeps your body in a more alert state when it should be winding down.

Lemon contains small amounts of vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenal function and cortisol production. While this is beneficial during the day, stimulating the adrenals at night may interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle.

6. Potential for Stomach Discomfort

Lemon water can be too harsh on an empty stomach or before bed for people with:

Sensitive stomachs
Gastritis
Peptic ulcers

Drinking lemon water at night may cause:

Cramping
Acidic burning
Stomach upset

Since digestion slows down at night, acidic beverages may linger longer in the stomach, increasing discomfort.

7. Increased Risk of Dehydration (Ironically)

While lemon water is hydrating, drinking it late at night may cause overnight water loss through urination, especially if it leads to waking up and using the bathroom multiple times.

This can leave you feeling:

Dry-mouthed
Tired
Headachy in the morning

Proper hydration is important, but timing your water intake matters. Aim to hydrate consistently during the day and limit fluid intake close to bedtime.

8. Can Disrupt Fasting States

Many people follow intermittent fasting protocols that involve long overnight fasts (e.g., 16:8). While plain water doesn’t break a fast, lemon water might for some, especially if it contains added honey, mint, or other ingredients.

Even the citric acid or trace carbs in lemon juice may stimulate digestive enzymes, which some fasting advocates consider a disruption of the fasted state.

9. Possible Interference with Medications

Some medications—particularly antacids, diuretics, and potassium-sparing drugs—may interact with the potassium and acidity of lemon juice.

Drinking lemon water at night, especially near medication times, may:

Alter drug absorption
Exacerbate side effects
Cause stomach upset

Always check with your doctor if you’re on medications that may interact with citrus or potassium.

10. Not Ideal for People with Citrus Allergies or Histamine Intolerance

Lemons are a source of histamines and salicylates, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Nighttime consumption may lead to:

Nasal congestion
Headaches
Skin irritation
Sleep disruption

If you notice symptoms like these after drinking lemon water, especially at night, consider avoiding citrus altogether.

Who Should Avoid Lemon Water at Night?

Group	Reason
People with GERD	Increases risk of acid reflux
Individuals with frequent nighttime urination	May worsen nocturia
Those with sensitive teeth	Acid exposure at night damages enamel
People with bladder issues	May cause irritation
Those with insomnia or sleep disturbances	May stimulate alertness
Anyone on certain medications	May interfere with absorption or effectiveness

Safer Alternatives for Evening Hydration

If you're looking to hydrate before bed without the risks of lemon water, consider these options:

1. Plain Warm Water

Gentle on the stomach
Promotes digestion and relaxation

2. Chamomile Tea

Caffeine-free
Supports relaxation and sleep

3. Warm Ginger Water

Anti-inflammatory
Aids digestion without acidity

4. Cucumber-Infused Water

Mildly hydrating
Alkalizing without acidity

Best Time to Drink Lemon Water

For most people, the best time to drink lemon water is:

In the morning on an empty stomach
Before meals to aid digestion
Mid-afternoon for hydration and energy

This avoids the nighttime drawbacks while still reaping all the benefits.

Conclusion

Lemon water is undoubtedly a health-boosting drink—but timing is everything. While drinking it in the morning or throughout the day can support digestion, hydration, and immunity, consuming it at night may lead to unwanted side effects like acid reflux, disrupted sleep, frequent urination, and enamel erosion.

If you enjoy lemon water, it’s best to:

Drink it earlier in the day
Limit intake before bed
Avoid if you have acid reflux, sensitive teeth, or bladder issues

Your body does important restorative work while you sleep. Supporting it with gentle, non-disruptive habits—like avoiding acidic drinks before bed—can help you wake up feeling truly refreshed.

References

Feldman, M., & Cryer, B. (1999). "Peptic ulcer disease and related disorders." Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Johnson, R.J., et al. (2007). "Sugar, uric acid, and the etiology of diabetes and obesity." Diabetes.
Fass, R., et al. (2005). "The pathophysiological mechanisms of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux." Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). "Nocturia: Frequent urination at night."
Scully, C. (2008). "Oral and maxillofacial medicine." Elsevier.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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