A hangover is a group of symptoms that can follow drinking too much alcohol. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, thirst, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms vary by person and occasion.
What alcohol does in the body
- Fluid balance: Alcohol suppresses vasopressin, increasing urination. Mild dehydration can contribute to thirst and fatigue, but it is not the only cause of a hangover.
- Sleep: Alcohol can fragment sleep and cause earlier waking, even when it initially makes someone feel sleepy.
- Stomach irritation: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid release, contributing to nausea and discomfort.
- Inflammation: Alcohol can trigger inflammatory responses associated with feeling unwell.
- Metabolism: The body converts alcohol to acetaldehyde and then acetate. These processes and other compounds in alcoholic drinks may contribute to symptoms.
Is there a hangover cure?
No remedy has been proven to cure a hangover. Time is the only reliable recovery. Coffee, showers, exercise, or drinking more alcohol do not speed the body’s recovery. Water and food may improve comfort, but they do not make alcohol leave the body faster.
Be cautious with pain relievers. Combining alcohol with acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver, while aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Follow the medicine label and ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure.
When to get emergency help
A person who is confused, cannot stay awake, is vomiting repeatedly, has a seizure, breathes slowly or irregularly, or has pale, blue, or clammy skin may have alcohol poisoning. Call 911. Do not leave the person alone or assume they can “sleep it off.”
Prevention
The only certain way to avoid a hangover is not to drink. If you choose to drink, drinking less, pacing drinks, eating beforehand, and planning safe transportation can reduce risk. Never drive impaired.
