Lack of sleep, Hydration - Negative impact of chin?

[ChangeIsComing]

I have done a few searches for information online and have not really found anything straight forward. But I am curious to know how lack of sleep and subsequent lack of hydration that ties into the prior correlate if at all to the ability to take a shot to the head? I ask this as I was recently dropped in a fight (not KO'd) but it was not the hardest shot ever, just great timing and accuracy (yes I know that is all it takes) but I am a bit confused as after ward this led to a mild concussion...something I have not had in a long long time and now I am stuck here wondering if its the fact that I hardly slept the night before my fight (was a literal zombie the day of), the lack of hydration as I could not hold water (everything just went right through me, likely due to lack of sleep) or if I am at a point in life where my age is the cause (41) and if I should just stop altogether. FYI I have not fought much, I started Muay Thai late in life but fell in love with it and love competing and it will suck if I have to walk away from the competing aspect but if I have to I have to.

I am going to talk to my doctor about it, but just curious about others thoughts and experiences on this. Is it lack of sleep/hydration or is it just the fact I have gotten old and its time to mind my health?

 

[Intermission]

I have done a few searches for information online and have not really found anything straight forward. But I am curious to know how lack of sleep and subsequent lack of hydration that ties into the prior correlate if at all to the ability to take a shot to the head? I ask this as I was recently dropped in a fight (not KO'd) but it was not the hardest shot ever, just great timing and accuracy (yes I know that is all it takes) but I am a bit confused as after ward this led to a mild concussion...something I have not had in a long long time and now I am stuck here wondering if its the fact that I hardly slept the night before my fight (was a literal zombie the day of), the lack of hydration as I could not hold water (everything just went right through me, likely due to lack of sleep) or if I am at a point in life where my age is the cause (41) and if I should just stop altogether. FYI I have not fought much, I started Muay Thai late in life but fell in love with it and love competing and it will suck if I have to walk away from the competing aspect but if I have to I have to.

I am going to talk to my doctor about it, but just curious about others thoughts and experiences on this. Is it lack of sleep/hydration or is it just the fact I have gotten old and its time to mind my health?

It makes you easier to knock out, yes. Even if you have a good chin.

 

[DoctorTaco]

Lack of sleep and hydration definitely affect these things. Your body heals when it sleeps and repairs the damage of a weight cut. Lack of hydration means there’s less of a fluid barrier between your skull and your brain.

Also- at 41 your T levels are declining. This also makes KOs more likely.

 

[Stoic1]

Sleep not so much.

Dehydration is huge.

 

[ssBaldy]

Your brain is floating in liquid insulide the skull, preventing it from getting damage when your head shakes. Extreme dehydration affects this liquid too.

 

[WillyWarminski]

This IS a direct paste from CHATGPT

1. Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation has a profound effect on the brain and body:

It slows reaction time and reduces motor coordination, both of which increase the chance of getting hit cleanly.

It impairs cognitive resilience, meaning the brain is more vulnerable to trauma—leading to higher concussion risk.

Sleep is critical for cerebrospinal fluid regulation, which helps protect the brain from impact. Poor sleep = less efficient brain "shock absorption."


So yes—being a "zombie" on fight day absolutely increases the chance of being dropped or concussed from shots that might otherwise not do serious damage.


---

2. Dehydration

Dehydration is a huge factor in combat sports:

The brain sits in a cushion of fluid; dehydration reduces that cushioning, making the brain more prone to hitting the skull when jolted.

Dehydrated tissue also recovers more slowly from trauma, increasing post-concussion symptoms.

It also contributes to fatigue, poor performance, and impaired cognition.


Trying to rehydrate after a weight cut without proper sleep compounds the risk—water retention and absorption are impaired under sleep deprivation.


---

3. Age (41)

Age is a valid consideration but not a direct reason to stop competing—only a factor to manage:

Recovery takes longer as we age, including neurological recovery.

That said, many people fight into their 40s and do well if they manage sleep, hydration, and training volume.

Neurological resiliency does diminish, but much of the damage comes from cumulative trauma and poor recovery habits, not age alone.

 

[ChangeIsComing]

Appreciate all the replies, if there ever is another occasion where I do not sleep, hydrate properly etc...I am just going to forfeit...swallow my pride as at this stage in life its not worth it.

Thanks again!