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| - Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post suggests that drinking cold water before sleeping increases heart attack risk by 80%. We fact checked this claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that drinking cold water before sleeping increases the risk of a heart attack by 80%.
Fact Check
Can drinking cold water cause heart attacks?
No, drinking cold water does not directly cause heart attacks. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked due to plaque buildup in the arteries. There is no medical evidence linking cold water consumption at night to an increased heart attack risk. In fact, drinking water—whether cold or warm—has many health benefits.
Cold water does cause slight blood vessel constriction, but in healthy individuals, this effect is temporary and harmless. In people with pre-existing heart conditions, sudden exposure to extreme cold—such as plunging into cold water—can sometimes trigger issues like angina (chest pain) or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). However, this does not mean that simply drinking cold water before bed will have the same effect.
Does cold water affect blood circulation?
Not really. Cold water can cause temporary narrowing of blood vessels, but in healthy individuals, this effect is minor and short-lived. The body quickly adjusts to temperature changes, preventing any lasting impact.
People with heart conditions, like coronary artery disease, may feel slight discomfort in extreme cold, but this does not mean drinking cold water can cause a heart attack.
In fact, cold water is often recommended for hydration, especially after exercise, as it helps cool the body and increase alertness. There are no medical warnings against drinking cold water before bed.
What are the actual risk factors for heart attacks?
Heart attacks result from conditions like:
High blood pressure and cholesterol
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Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
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Obesity and lack of physical activity
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Diabetes and metabolic disorders
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Stress and family history of heart disease
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Cold water consumption is not on the list of risk factors identified by medical research.
Can drinking cold water at night harm the heart in any way?
Not really. While sudden exposure to cold, like diving into cold water, can sometimes affect heart rate, drinking cold water before bed does not pose a significant risk. There is no medical evidence linking it to heart attacks. Any discomfort after drinking cold water is more likely due to digestive issues rather than heart-related concerns. Some claims suggest that cold water harms digestion, but this is not entirely true.
To understand this better, we spoke with healthcare experts.
Dr P Rammanohar, Research Director at Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), explains, “Drinking ice-cold water may disturb the body’s balance in some individuals, especially those sensitive to temperature changes. People with weak digestion, such as those with IBS or ulcerative colitis, may find warm or lukewarm water easier to tolerate. It’s best to avoid water that is too hot or too cold and instead choose a temperature that suits the season, climate, and individual needs.”
Dr Anusha Dewan, Practising General Physician and Public Health Consultant at Jeevan Anmol Hospital, New Delhi, says that drinking cold water is generally safe and refreshing, especially in hot weather or after exercise. However, very cold water, especially in large amounts, may cause temporary discomfort like throat irritation or brain freeze, though this is not harmful. People with sensitive teeth or throat issues might find room-temperature water more comfortable, as extremely cold water could worsen their symptoms.
THIP Media Take
The claim that drinking cold water before sleeping increases heart attack risk by 80% is false. There is no scientific evidence supporting this assertion. Heart attacks are primarily caused by lifestyle and genetic factors, not cold water consumption. Staying hydrated is essential for heart health, and there is no need to avoid cold water before bedtime based on unfounded fears.
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