WeatherHeatwaveWhile we are sleeping through the ongoing heatwave, our bodies can become less hydrated as a result of sweating - which has prompted Dr Dev Patel to issue advice for as soon as we wake up09:48, 26 Jun 2026Updated 09:48, 26 Jun 2026As the June heatwave continues, with record temperatures in store today (June 26), a doctor has urged UK households to do one thing in order to help keep as cool as possible. A red weather warning for extreme heat is currently in place in the South East of England, with the mercury now forecast to soar to 37 degrees in some areas.‌While fans and air conditioning systems can help lower the room temperature, we need to look after our bodies too - with Dr Dev Patel expressing the importance of keeping hydrated. "It sounds so simple, but so many people are coming into A&E with dehydration," he began in a TikTok video.‌He continued: "You're going to get dehydrated through the night - we're all getting hot and waking up dehydrated - so when you wake up in the morning, make a pint of water the first thing you drink."‌Dr Patel also suggested taking in a variety of electrolytes throughout the day too, especially if you're not having regular meals."You are going to lose salt through your sweat," he pointed out. "But it's really important to keep things like your potassium and sodium at the normal level in your blood as well as drinking water."Content cannot be displayed without consent‌For anyone consuming alcohol, meanwhile, Dr Patel recommended drinking more water in between alcoholic drinks to ensure that you stay safe in the sun.This is because alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it suppresses the production of vasopressin - the hormone that tells your body to retain water.The NHS goes on to advise: "In our usual climate most people need between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of fluid daily, which is equivalent to about six to eight glasses. However, extra fluid will be needed when sweating more, for example through heavy work or exercise or in hot weather.‌Some people are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated in hot weather, including:older people - especially those over 75people with a serious chronic condition - particularly breathing or heart problemspeople with serious mental health problemspeople with mobility problemspeople on certain medication - check with your pharmacist or GP for detailspeople who already have a high temperature from an infectionThe NHS also recommends drinking at regular intervals throughout the day. "If you cannot manage large amounts, try to have small sips throughout the day instead," they add.Article continues below"Keep a jug of fluid close by to remind yourself to drink regularly and to keep track on how much fluid you are managing."Don’t rely solely on thirst as a sign you need to drink. By the time you are thirsty you may already be dehydrated; be aware that the thirst mechanism is reduced in older age."The simplest way to know if you are drinking enough is to check the colour of your urine. If it is dark yellow you probably need to drink more but pale and straw coloured suggests you are drinking enough.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HeatwaveHealthTikTok