Getting Students Ready to Learn

Drinking to Learn

By Eric Jensen

Dehydration is a common problem that's linked to poor learning. To be at their best, learners need water. When we are thirsty, it's because there's a drop in the water content of the blood. When the water percentage in the blood drops, the salt concentration in the blood is higher. Higher salt levels increase the release of fluids from the cells into the bloodstream. That raises blood pressure and stress. Stress researchers found that within five minutes of drinking water, there is a marked decline in corticoids and ACTH, two hormones associated with elevated stress. In addition, if water is available in the learning environment, the typical hormone response to the stress (elevated levels of corticoids) is "markedly reduced or absent." These studies suggest a strong role for water in keeping learners' stress levels in check.

Because the brain is made up of a higher percentage of water than any other organ, dehydration takes a toll quickly. There's a loss of attentiveness, and lethargy sets in. Dehydration means many children need more water, more often. Soft drinks, juice, coffee, or tea are diuretics that don't help much. Teachers should encourage students to drink water throughout the day. Parents who know this can suggest that their children use water as the primary thirst quencher.