Originally Posted by
Rons
Keep drinking until your urine is clear. Personally I like to hydrate over a period of hours at a moderate pace. When I've woke up thirsty in the night like you were describing I always figured I was still dehydrated.
Pale, straw-colored urine indicates good hydration, but doesn't tell you if you have replenished depleted electrolytes, so electrolyte drinks should be used, not only water.
Over-hydration can be dangerous if it causes blood electrolytes to become too dilute. That's hyponatremia and can kill.