Science of Hangovers: Here's Why People Feel Terrible After a Night of Drinking

Experiencing a dreadful hangover after a night of drinking is common for several people, but why exactly is this the case?

Hangovers Explained

A hangover is a set of symptoms that happen as a result of excessive drinking. The usual symptoms of a hangover include weakness, fatigue, headache, thirst, nausea, muscle aches, vertigo, stomach pain, sensitivity to light and sound, irritability, anxiety, sweating, and heightened blood pressure. Different people may experience hangovers differently.

The main culprit for a hangover is alcohol. However, there are also other components within alcoholic beverages that can affect symptoms or even worsen the hangover. These components include congeners, which are compounds produced in fermentation that contribute to the smell and taste of alcoholic drinks, and sulfites, which serve as preservatives added to wine. For some individuals, darker spirits that usually have higher congener levels could worsen hangover symptoms. Moreover, individuals who are sensitive to sulfites could also have a headache after they drink wine.

There are also other factors that could contribute to hangovers in different ways. These include sleep disruptions, mild dehydration, inflammation, gastrointestinal irritation, mini-withdrawal, and acetaldehyde exposure.

Symptoms of a hangover peak when the body's blood alcohol concentration returns to roughly zero. Such symptoms could last for 24 hours or even longer.

Hangovers can also be dangerous, as a person's decision-making, attention, and muscle coordination are all impaired during a hangover. They may also negatively affect a person's capacity to perform crucial tasks, such as driving.

Due to the uniqueness of each individual, it is hard to predict the number of drinks that may cause a number. Nevertheless, whenever people drink to the point of intoxication, it is likely that they would experience a hangover the day after.

ALSO READ: 'Hangxiety' Is Real: Why Does Alcohol Give People Anxiety During a Hangover?

Debunking Hangover Myths

There are several myths about hangovers that circulate. For one, it is believed that taking a shower or drinking coffee could cure or prevent a hangover. However, in reality, one can only completely avoid hangovers by not drinking alcohol or by keeping alcohol consumption minimal. Hangovers also cannot be cured by anything else other than time.

Others also think that the order of drinks may affect a hangover. However, it is a general fact that the more alcohol consumed, the worse the hangover. This does not depend on whether a person drinks wine, beers, distilled spirits, or a mix of everything.

Hangover Remedies

Despite several remedies circulating in the internet, there is no proven way to alleviate hangovers. Only time can help with symptoms. One must wait for the body to flush out the toxic byproducts, rehydrate, restore brain and immune activity to normal, and heal irritated tissue.

Though some people take some pain relievers before going to bed in order to lessen hangover symptoms, it is important to note that mixing acetaminophen and alcohol could be dangerous for the liver. It is important to be cautious if proceeding with this.

Some also turn to sports drinks rich in electrolytes and other products for hangover release. However, studies have not established any correlation between hangover severity and level of electrolyte disruptions. For most people, the body's electrolyte imbalance will be restored when alcohol effects subside.

Overall, the best remedy for hangovers is to avoid it by only drinking in moderation or not drinking at all.