So… what is a hangover?

Written By: Skyler Noble

We will be going over the science behind what makes a hangover so miserable, discovering the other ingredients in alcohol that contribute, and debunking some so-called “cures”!

So… what is a hangover?

Other than a terrible way to spend a Sunday morning there is a lot that goes into that pounding headache and moody AM hours. In short, a hangover is alcohol withdrawal.1 In long, let's look at the science behind it all.

A hangover typically occurs 10 hours after blood alcohol levels peak.2 This time period varies depending on the individuals height, weight, genes, etc.2 Symptoms generally peak once blood alcohol hits zero and can last up to 24 hours or more.3

• Did you know? Though the numbers are not exact, between 3 and 23 percent of the population is reported to be hangover resistant.2

The body and the brain:

What happens when a person consumes alcohol? Let’s start at the beginning.

It’s bottoms up and down the hatch. The vodka cranberry or cheap Aristocrat shot enters the stomach, passed the small intestine, and is absorbed into the bloodstream.2 Heres what happens next…

First of all, alcohol is a diuretic.2 This means that it increases urination and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, sleepiness, and lethargy. These symptoms can be exasperated by activities like dancing, and jumping and getting sweaty.

Secondly, alcohol dilates your blood vessels causing them to expand.4 Yet another cause of headaches.

Thirdly, alcohol effects your bodies glucose production dropping your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can cause weakness and that sluggish feeling that makes getting up a truly painful process.2,4 This poses more danger for those with diabetes.

Alcohol leads to immflamuation which, in turn, makes you feel ill.2

Drinking impacts your quality of sleep. While initially causing some sleepiness, alcohol disrupts your bodies REM sleep, sleep rhythm, and circadian cycle.1,2

The enzyme required to break down alcohol is called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH).2 The ADH enzyme breaks down the ethanol in the booze and forms acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a short-lived toxin that contributes to inflammation in organs such as the brain, liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.2

Finally, alcohol irritates stomach lining (gastrointestinal irritation) which increases acid release and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances.3,4 Electrolytes are minerals that our bodies need to function and thrive. Without the proper electrolytes, the body can experience cause, tiredness, cramps and muscle weakness.3 It can also contribute to that headache discussed earlier.

Other foes in the battle against hangovers:

1. Alcoholic beverages often contain compounds called congenders which are prodices durring the process of fermentation. They are in higher concentration in darker liquors and can increase both the likelihood and intensity of a hangover.3,4

2. Another component of hangovers can be sulfites. Sulfites are compounds found in wine that act as preservatives. For those who have a sensitivity to sulfites, these sneaky compounds can cause the infamous wine headache.3,4

Cures?

Tragically my dears, there is no magical cure all. The only foolproof eliminator of those toxins in your body is our old friend time. Or to avoid the hangover by drinking in moderation. Caffeine can help wake you up, a cold shower can jolt the senses, sweating it out may help you boost your self respect, but none of the above will actually lower your blood alcohol levels.2,3 The old “Hair of the Dog”, aka a morning drink, may delay the onset of hangover symptoms but it isn’t a cure either. Your body is in recovery, it needs time to metabolize the drinks, repair itself, and get some good old fashion rest and relaxation.3 Order of drinks (“beer before liquor, never sicker”) does not impact hangovers. Some people take pain relievers to handle the symptoms of the hangover. Please exercise caution in this as the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver.2,3,4

What about eating food? Food won’t lower your BAC (blood alcohol content) but it can help with the absorption of alcohol when consumed before drinking.3 Additionally, getting some food into your body the next morning may help with nausea and wonky glucose levels.

If you are regularly heavily drinking or find yourself expressing signs of alcohol dependency there are resources available and you should discuss it with your general practitioner. Here are some links to get started:

Information: https://www.cdc.gov/alcoholportal/index.html

Treatment and Hotline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Alcohol anonymous support: https://www.aa.org/

References:

1. Lantman Mvan S, Mackus M, Roth T, Verster JC. Total sleep time, alcohol consumption, and the duration and severity O: NSS. Nature and Science of Sleep. https://www.dovepress.com/total-sleep-time-alcohol-consumption-and-the-duration-and-severity-of--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS. Published June 29, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2022.

2. Hangovers. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers. Published March 2021. Accessed November 8, 2022.

3. Northwestern Medicine. The science of a hangover. Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/the-science-of-a-hangover. Published December 2018. Accessed November 8, 2022.

4. Hangovers. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/symptoms-causes/syc-20373012. Published December 16, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2022.