The truth about hangovers

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A hangover is the bodys reaction to being poisoned with too much alcohol; excess alcohol consumption upsets the central nervous system. The chemicals in the brain are put out of balance which causes headaches, dizziness, nausea and dehydration. This is why on the morning after the night before many suffer from pounding headaches, fatigue, cotton mouth and a weakened immune system.

Who is most susceptible?

Women are more greatly affected by alcohol than men. This is because men have a higher percentage of water in their bodies, which helps dilute the alcohol they consume. So even after drinking the same amount, women would have more alcohol build up in the bloodstream.

How much alcohol causes a hangover?

Obviously binge drinking will lead to a worse hangover, but even just a few drinks could mean you'll be paying the price the next day. It all depends on your body composition, so it is well advised to have water or a non-alcoholic drink between each hard drink to keep you hydrated. In turn this will reduce the overall amount of alcohol you consume.

What type of alcohol gives you a worse hangover?

Some people suffer worse hangovers from drinking red wine over white wine. This can be due to the tannins found in red wine; these compounds are known to trigger headaches in some people. Malt liquors, like whisky, also tend to produce more severe hangovers. So if youre worried about how youll feel in the morning, the gentlest choices are thought to be beer and clear liquors such as gin and vodka.
Research also suggests that the consumption of fruit juices or other sugary drinks as a mixer to your alcohol will help decrease your hangover intensity. So, although diet drinks may help you count the calories, they wont help with the hangover.

Beer before wine and you'll feel fine?

Overall it is the amount of alcohol you consume, not the order that will have the biggest effect on you in the morning. However, the order of your drinks may affect how much you consume. For example, if you start on cocktails, then switch to beer you'll slow your intake down for the evening. Where as, if you switched from beer to shots you'll accelerate your intake. So its always a good idea to try and remember, Too much liquor can spell sicker, regardless of whether you begin with beer.

Will carbs before bed ease the hangover?

Eating a load of pasta before bed will not help the hangover; the key is to make sure you have a full stomach before you hit the happy hour. Fatty food is your best pre-drinks option as it slows the bodys absorption of alcohol, so a steak or a pizza would be a great option before that big night out. One thing that it is recommended before bed is to drink water to help with rehydration.

Painkillers before bed?

Taking painkillers before bed will not ease your hangover in the morning as the effects of the painkillers will wear off after four hours. So youre better off taking them when you wake up and the hangover kicks in. It is advised to avoid taking paracetamol after a night out as this combined with alcohol can disrupt the livers processes which can lead to liver inflammation and even permanent damage.

Does alcohol help you sleep?

Although many people have a night cap to help them drift off to sleep, alcohol actually disrupts the quality of your sleep. This is because alcohol prevents you from spending the necessary amount of time in REM sleep and you may also wake too soon if you begin to feel unwell.

Hair of the dog?

Having a drink the next day doesnt cure your hangover it simply postpones its effects. If you find yourself unable to function the next day with out a wake up cocktail, you should consider the possibility of addiction.

Will caffeine cure the hangover?

Caffeine will not help you fight off your hangover; in fact it will probably do the complete opposite and dehydrate you further. Your best option is to drink water and sports drinks to balance out rehydration and lost electrolytes.

Herbal remedies?

The aid of herbal remedies has not yet been proven; unfortunately the only proven cure to a hangover is time.

So above all, please remember to drink sensibly, alcohol poisoning is a potentially deadly medical emergency. For further information see our section on recommended limits for alcohol consumption.