6 surprising signs you need to drink more water
Staying properly hydrated may contribute to clearer skin, fresher breath, increased mental clarity and more.
Jan, 2026
1 of 8
Slide 1
You may think that your body will always let you know when it's time to drink something. But thirst isn’t a foolproof sign of dehydration. Among other factors, your age, the weather, and your activities can all interfere with your thirst response.
This is important, because losing as little as 1 percent of your total water weight is considered “mild dehydration.” Dehydration can lead to fainting, accidents, injuries, and more. So, aside from feeling thirsty, how else can you tell when it’s time to drink up? Sip some water if you experience any of these surprising signs.
Written byRose Hayes, MA, RN.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: Riebl SK + 19
- Riebl SK, Davy BM. The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2013 Nov;17(6):21-28.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration. Reviewed February 16, 2021.
- Wittbrodt MT, Millard-Stafford M. Dehydration Impairs Cognitive Performance: A Meta-analysis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. November 2018. 50(11): p2360-2368.
- Armstrong LE, Ganio MS, et al. Mild Dehydration Affects Mood in Healthy Young Women, The Journal of Nutrition. February 2012. Volume 142, Issue 2, Pages 382–388.
- Kaiser Permanente. 10 warning signs of dehydration. May 13, 2022.
- PKD Foundation. Hunger vs. thirst: tips to tell the difference. Accessed November 17, 2022.
- Corney RA, Sunderland C, James LJ. Immediate pre-meal water ingestion decreases voluntary food intake in lean young males. Eur J Nutr. 2016 Mar;55(2):815-819.
- Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Signs You are not Drinking Sufficient Water. March 2019.
- American Dental Association. Chewing Gum. Updated May 4, 2023.
- University of Utah Health. Hot Showers Can Dry Out Your Skin. February 10, 2021.
- Better Health Channel (AUS). Halitosis or bad breath. Reviewed August 31, 2022.
- Van der Sluijs E, Slot DE, et al. The effect of water on morning bad breath: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Dent Hyg. 2016 May;14(2):124-34.
- Mayo Clinic. Does drinking water cause hydrated skin? November 21, 2020.
- American Skin Association. Dry Skin. Accessed November 17, 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration Headache. Reviewed December 3, 2021.
- Cleveland Clinic. What The Color of Your Pee Says About You. November 8, 2021.
- NSW Health. Urine Color Chart. April 7, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic. Water: How much should you drink every day? October 12, 2022.
- National Council on Aging. How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health. March 18, 2024.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. How Much Water Do You Need. Reviewed June 2022.
Recommended for you
How can I be more consistent?