The Simple Sleep Trick I Forgot During My Son’s Wedding

Marrying off a child is a milestone full of joy, tears, and—let’s be honest—sleep deprivation. Between planning, traveling, family logistics, and the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding, it’s easy to forget the basics: eating, resting, and yes—hydrating.

As someone who has helped countless clients regain control over their sleep, I can tell you that big life events like weddings, moving, or stressful work projects can completely derail your routines. And I realized firsthand that one of the simplest, most overlooked tools to maintain your energy—and even support sleep—is staying hydrated.

The Wedding Wake-Up Call

I just finished marrying off my son, and let me tell you, it was beautiful, emotional, and exhausting. I could probably write a book about the sleep deprivation and emotional processing that came along with it—but let’s focus on one key lesson: hydration.

At home, routines are easy. You know when to drink water, you have your favorite bottle, and you’ve perfected the water temperature that makes you happiest. But when you travel or face a huge life event—did I mention the wedding?—it’s easy to forget yourself. Amid the chaos, I completely neglected my hydration.

The first two days, I was surviving on gallons of coffee, trying to keep my energy up. I was exhausted, yes, but that caffeine overload left me wired and dehydrated. Coffee isn’t hydration, no matter how much we wish it were! By day three, I finally came to my senses. I went back to my usual two cups of coffee a day and made a conscious effort to drink water consistently. The difference was noticeable: I felt more energized, less jittery, and my mind clearer.

Even amid chaos, a small habit like drinking water consistently can make a surprising difference.

Why Hydration Matters for Sleep

You might wonder, “Chevy, how does water really affect sleep?” Well, your body needs proper hydration to regulate key systems:

• Cortisol management: Dehydration can increase stress hormones, keeping you alert when you want to wind down.

• Temperature regulation: Hydration helps your body maintain a comfortable temperature while sleeping.

• Energy and brain function: Low water levels make your mind foggy and your body sluggish, which can ironically make you more restless at night.

  
  

When you’re sleep-deprived from emotional events like a wedding, hydration becomes a tool to help your body cope with stress and fatigue. It won’t magically make you sleep nine hours straight—but it will make you feel more energized, less anxious, and more in tune with your body’s natural rhythms.

Top Hydration Tips for Busy or Stressful Days

Here are the most important ways to stay hydrated, especially when life gets hectic:

1. Set reminders: Phone alarms or watch prompts are simple tools to nudge you throughout the day.

2. Sip, don’t chug: Spread your water intake over the day; drinking a liter at once before bed can lead to midnight bathroom trips.

3. Balance caffeine and water: If coffee is part of your day, follow each cup with a glass of water to counteract dehydration.

These three steps are often overlooked but make the biggest difference. Remember: coffee isn’t hydration—especially during stressful events when it’s tempting to drink extra to boost energy.

Nutrition and Emotional Stress

Hydration alone doesn’t fix the emotional and mental load of life events. Marrying off a child is emotional, and there’s a lot to process—joy, nostalgia, and maybe even a touch of sadness or worry. These feelings can impact your sleep just as much as physical factors.

Nutrition also plays a role in sleep quality. For more on how food affects sleep and why you can’t treat your body like an ATM, check out my older blog here.

That’s why I’ll be diving into emotional processing in my next blog: how to handle intense feelings in a way that actually supports rest. For now, focusing on the basics—hydration, balanced nutrition, and manageable caffeine—can help you navigate these big moments with more energy, clarity, and a touch less stress.

Your Takeaway

Next time you’re traveling, attending a wedding, or navigating a major life change, check in with your hydration first. Sip consistently, pair your coffee with water, and notice the difference in your energy and mood. It’s one of the easiest ways to support your body—and indirectly, your sleep.

If you feel like your body is out of whack and it’s affecting your sleep, please book a complimentary call. Let’s talk and figure out your next best steps: https://calendly.com/chevymermelstein/30min.

And remember, sleep is a whole-body experience. Hydration is one tool, but processing emotions, managing stress, and maintaining nutrition all work together to help you rest better. Stay tuned for my next post on processing emotions to improve sleep—because big life events aren’t just physical; they’re emotional too