Are Hangovers Worth It? Let’s face it, hangovers are the worst. You may feel fatigued, weak, thirsty and experience headaches, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating and increased blood pressure. These symptoms tend to peak when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero. On top of these unpleasant symptoms, they can linger for hours or even days. Let’s face it, hangovers are the worst. You may feel fatigued, weak, thirsty and experience headaches, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating and increased blood pressure. These symptoms tend to peak when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero. On top of these unpleasant symptoms, they can linger for hours or even days. What Causes Hangover Symptoms? Dehydration You may have heard someone say, “I broke the seal,” while drinking. This refers to having to go to the bathroom more frequently when consuming alcohol, which also means you aren’t retaining fluid in the body. Mild dehydration can lead to feelings of thirst, fatigue and contribute to those pesky post-drinking headaches Poor Sleep You might be able to fall asleep with ease after drinking, but you may notice it’s not the best quality sleep. You may also notice that you wake up earlier after a night of drinking. This could leave you tired and lead to lost productivity. Upset Stomach Alcohol disrupts the lining of your stomach and increases acid release, which can lead to nausea and an upset stomach. Inflammation You may experience general discomfort and uneasiness during a hangover. Alcohol increases inflammation in the body, making you feel uncomfortable or ill overall. Mini-withdrawal You might feel more relaxed, sociable and free while drinking, but your brain tries to maintain a balance. As the effects of alcohol wear off, you may feel more restless and anxious (e.g., “hangxiety”) How to Manage a Hangover When experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of a hangover you’re probably wishing there were a magic cure. Unfortunately, time is your best bet to beat the discomfort. Coffee, a cold shower and continuing to drink (also known as ‘hair of the dog’) won’t keep hangover symptoms at bay. Staying hydrated, taking over-the-counter pain relievers and consuming electrolytes are some ways to help relieve symptoms. The best way to dodge a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid drinking all together. Click here to learn more about alcohol and your health. So, are hangovers really worth it? Additional Resources National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – “Rethink Drinking Tools” Own Your Limits – “Check Your Drinking Habits Quiz” References National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – “Hangovers” Mayo Clinic – “Hangovers” Additional ResourcesOwn Your Limits - “Check Your Drinking Habits Quiz”National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - “Rethink Drinking Tools”ReferencesNational Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - “Hangovers”Mayo Clinic - “Hangovers”
