Hangover symptoms

Most people, at least in the UK, have experienced a hangover. Those who have experienced a hangover will know that there is no cure for a hangover, only techniques designed to minimise the symptoms as we try our best to make it through the day. 

If you have ever had a hangover, you will know it isn’t pretty. Ask anyone who has had a hangover what it’s like, and they will tell you how bad it is. 

However, hangover symptoms can vary from person to person, and we don’t know what a hangover feels like until we have one. So, the question is, what does a hangover really feel like? 

What does a hangover feel like?

A hangover is a combination of unpleasant physical and mental effects that occur following a period of excessive alcohol intake. The intensity of hangover symptoms can vary depending on various factors, such as the quantity and type of alcohol consumed. However, hangovers are ultimately the result of excessive alcohol consumption.

What constitutes excessive drinking? Some individuals may experience hangover symptoms after just a couple of drinks, while others who drink heavily may not experience any symptoms at all. Generally, the more alcohol consumed and the longer the duration of drinking, the more severe the hangover symptoms will be for most people.

In this article, we explore the typical symptoms of a hangover while covering the indicators of severe alcohol poisoning. We will also delve into the reasons behind hangovers and the potential issues they may present.

Common hangover symptoms

Here is a list of the most common hangover symptoms.

Fatigue, weakness and thirst 

After a night of excessive drinking, people often experience symptoms like tiredness, lack of energy, and feeling thirsty, known as a hangover. Tiredness is extreme exhaustion that can make it hard to focus or get things done. Lack of strength and stamina, called weakness, can make physical tasks harder. Feeling thirsty is a sign of dehydration, which happens when alcohol, a diuretic, causes increased urination. These symptoms can make it challenging to go about daily activities the day after drinking heavily.

Headaches

Consuming alcohol can lead to headaches by causing blood vessels in the brain to dilate. Dehydration, caused by alcohol’s diuretic effects, can also contribute to hangover headaches due to the loss of fluids. 

Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural sleep patterns, resulting in fatigue and tension headaches. The intensity of a hangover headache can differ based on factors like the quantity of alcohol consumed, an individual’s tolerance levels, and hydration levels. In general, headaches are a common and unpleasant side effect of alcohol consumption and experiencing a hangover.

Upset stomach

Having a stomach ache can be a clear sign of a hangover. Consuming alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and boost the production of stomach acid, resulting in feelings of nausea, vomiting, and overall unease. 

Dehydration, which frequently occurs after drinking too much alcohol, can also play a role in causing a stomach ache. 

The toxins generated during the alcohol metabolism process can trigger inflammation in the stomach and intestines, worsening digestive problems. In summary, a stomach ache is a common and uncomfortable indicator of a hangover.

Aches and pains

Muscle soreness and discomfort are a common sign of a hangover. Drinking alcohol can result in dehydration, inflammation, and the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. These elements can contribute to muscle aches, headaches, and overall unease.

Alcohol can disturb your sleep patterns, leading to tiredness and achiness. It is crucial to stay hydrated, rest adequately, and perhaps take non-prescription painkillers to alleviate these issues. If your muscle soreness and discomfort persist or worsen, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is recommended.

Lack of sleep 

Consuming alcohol can disrupt the regular sleep pattern by decreasing the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is crucial for proper rest. This can create a pattern of low sleep quality and heightened exhaustion the following day. 

As mentioned, hangovers can also bring about symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dehydration, which can further disturb sleep. In general, the influence of hangovers on sleep can lead to a destructive cycle of poor sleep quality, daytime weariness, and increased dependency on alcohol to deal with these consequences.

Dizziness and sensory sensitivity

Some people may feel dizzy or experience a spinning sensation when they have a hangover. This could be because alcohol disrupts the balance system in the inner ear, leading to feelings of instability and confusion.

Hangovers can also make individuals more sensitive to light and sound, known as photophobia and phonophobia. This increased sensitivity can worsen feelings of headache and nausea, making the hangover experience even more unpleasant for some people.

Although vertigo and heightened sensitivity to light and sound are not as common as other hangover symptoms, they can still occur and have a significant impact on an individual’s overall well-being during a hangover.

Lack of attention and concentration

The effects of hangovers can significantly impact our ability to focus and pay attention. When we have a hangover, our bodies are dealing with the consequences of drinking alcohol, which can cause dehydration, tiredness, headaches, and nausea. These physical symptoms can make concentrating and remaining attentive hard, decreasing focus and attention levels.

Alcohol also impacts our brain function by interfering with neurotransmitters and affecting cognitive abilities. This can result in slower reaction times, impaired decision-making, and difficulty processing information. Individuals may find it challenging to focus on tasks, recall important details, and actively participate in conversations or activities.

Anxiety and irritability

Hangovers can cause feelings of anxiety and irritability as a result of alcohol’s impact on the brain and body, leading to changes in mood and behaviour, such as increased irritability and anxiety.

During a hangover, our bodies are dehydrated and out of balance, which can worsen feelings of anxiety and irritability. The poor quality of sleep often experienced after heavy drinking can also contribute to these negative emotions. Additionally, the regret or shame from actions taken while intoxicated can heighten feelings of anxiety and irritability.

Recognising the link between hangovers and negative emotions is crucial in making healthier choices regarding alcohol consumption and prioritising self-care practices.

Sweating and the shakes from high blood pressure

Hangovers may lead to shaking, fluctuations in blood pressure, and sweating due to the consequences of alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system. 

Changes in blood pressure can result from dehydration and the body’s struggle to metabolise the alcohol ingested. This can manifest as feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, and even loss of consciousness. 

Excessive sweating is a prevalent side effect of hangovers, as the body endeavours to eliminate the toxins from alcohol consumption. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on factors like the quantity of alcohol consumed, individual tolerance levels, and overall well-being.

Severe hangover symptoms

Consuming too much alcohol can lead to more than just feeling unwell the following day. Overindulging in alcohol can result in acute alcohol poisoning, which poses a severe risk to life. 

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may mirror those of a hangover but are typically more severe and intense, such as –

• Confusion or disorientation
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Blue-tinged or pale skin
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
• Mental confusion or stupor
• Inability to walk or stand up straight
• Severe dehydration and dry skin
• Slow heart rate or irregular heartbeat
• Loss of coordination

Alcohol poisoning is a critical situation that arises when an individual drinks a significant quantity of alcohol rapidly. It can be fatal and necessitates urgent medical intervention. If you believe someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, contact emergency services or consult a healthcare provider without delay.

Getting the help you need

Recognising the difficulty of reducing alcohol consumption for individuals with physical dependence is crucial. In such situations, seeking extra assistance may be essential.

Supplements can serve as a valuable tool in managing cravings for alcohol. For instance, Desistal provides a pill supplement that can aid in decreasing or eliminating alcohol intake. This option should be viewed as a component of a holistic approach to conquering alcohol addiction.

What Is Desistal?

Desistal is a natural supplement tablet that aims to reduce the desire for alcohol consumption. By incorporating Desistal into your routine, you can work towards a healthier lifestyle and find it easier to reduce drinking, resulting in a more productive lifestyle.

How Does Desistal Work?

Desistal is a supplement designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms by supplying acetate to the brain, a vital element for proper operation. This can mitigate the negative impacts of withdrawal and promote equilibrium in both the mind and body, making it a beneficial tool for those working to overcome addiction.

How Do I Get Desistal Supplement?

If you have any questions about Desistal or alcohol rehab, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to provide guidance and information on the available options in your area. 

If you’re interested in purchasing our supplement, we can provide details on how to do so from our online shop. 

Our primary goal is to assist you in reaching your goals, so feel free to contact us with any inquiries or issues.