There’s nothing worse than tossing and turning all night when you have to be up early for work in the morning. You’ve tried everything- chamomile tea, reading before bed, even sleeping on your left side- but nothing seems to help. So you resort to drinking tonic water before bed, hoping it will help you get a good night’s sleep.
But does tonic water really keep you awake at night?
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If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic way to stay awake at night, tonic water might be the answer. Tonic water is a carbonated beverage that contains quinine, which has been shown to have wake-promoting properties. In fact, quinine is often used as an ingredient in energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages.
While there’s no evidence that tonic water will keep you awake all night, it may help you stay alert and focused during late-night work or study sessions. So if you need a little extra help staying awake, reach for a can of tonic water next time!
Tonic Water Side Effects
Tonic water was first created in the 18th century as a way to make quinine more palatable. Quinine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and was originally used as a treatment for malaria. Today, tonic water contains only a small amount of quinine and is primarily consumed for its sweet, bitter flavor.
While generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects associated with drinking tonic water. The most common side effect of drinking tonic water is an upset stomach. This is due to the fact that quinine is a very bitter compound.
Some people may also experience nausea or vomiting after consuming too much tonic water. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions have been reported. If you experience any shortness of breath, hives, or swelling after drinking tonic water, seek medical attention immediately.
Drinking large amounts of tonic water can also lead to kidney damage or failure. This is because quinine is known to be toxic to the kidneys in high doses. If you have any preexisting kidney problems, it’s best to avoid drinking tonic water altogether.
Pregnant women should also avoid consuming quinine-containing products like tonic water due to the risk of birth defects. While typically safe in moderation, there are some potential side effects associated with drinking tonic water.
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Is It Ok to Drink Tonic Water at Night?
Most people don’t realize that tonic water actually contains quinine, which is a bitter alkaloid. This substance has been used for centuries as a medication to treat malaria and babesiosis. Today, quinine is still used to flavor tonic water and other beverages.
It’s also available in pill form as a treatment for leg cramps.
So, is it OK to drink tonic water at night? The answer may surprise you.
While there’s no evidence that drinking tonic water will cause any harm, it’s important to be aware that it does contain caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake at night and disrupt your sleep. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or if you have trouble sleeping, it’s best to avoid drinking tonic water before bedtime.
Can Quinine Keep You Awake?
Yes, quinine can keep you awake. The exact mechanism is not known, but it is thought to work by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down adenosine in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness.
Therefore, by inhibiting its breakdown, quinine can keep you awake.
What Happens If You Drink Too Much Tonic Water?
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that typically contains quinine, sugar, and sodium. While the exact origins of tonic water are unclear, it is thought to have originated in British colonial India as a means to prevent malaria. Today, tonic water is often consumed for its unique bitter taste and is commonly mixed with gin or vodka to make a popular cocktail known as a “G&T.”
So what happens if you drink too much tonic water? While quinine is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, drinking large quantities of tonic water can lead to some serious side effects. For example, quinine can cause cinchonism, which is a condition characterized by headache, nausea, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and visual disturbances.
In extreme cases, cinchonism can lead to seizures and death.
Does Sparkling Water Keep You Up at Night?
If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy a refreshing can of sparkling water now and then. But if you find yourself tossing and turning at night, you might be wondering if your beloved bubbly beverage is to blame.
The short answer is: no, sparkling water will not keep you up at night.
In fact, it’s actually a great option for those who are looking for a caffeine-free way to stay hydrated before bed.
But if you’re still unsure, let’s take a closer look at why sparkling water won’t keep you up at night and whether or not it’s actually good for you.
Sparkling Water Has Zero Caffeine
One of the main reasons why people turn to sparkling water is because they want to avoid sugary drinks or those with added artificial sweeteners. But another big reason people love seltzer is because it doesn’t contain any caffeine.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can promote wakefulness and make it difficult to fall asleep.
So, if you’re trying to avoid caffeine before bed, sparkling water is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who loves drinking seltzer water or sparkling water, you might be wondering if tonic water has the same effect. While seltzer water is just carbonated water and doesn’t have any caffeine, tonic water does contain a small amount of caffeine as well as quinine. Quinine is a bitter compound that’s often used to flavor tonic water and has been known to help with leg cramps.
However, it can also act as a stimulant and keep you awake at night. So, if you’re trying to avoid caffeine or want to wind down before bed, it’s best to stick with seltzer or club soda instead of tonic water.
