How Long Does a Hangover Last?

After a night of drinking, it is common to experience a hangover. When this occurs, one of the most frequently asked questions is: how long does a hangover last? This blog will cover what a hangover is and its symptoms, factors that influence a hangover, and how to treat one. Also, we will discuss the benefits of hangover supplements for speeding up the recovery process.

About Hangovers

A hangover is a set of symptoms that occur after drinking too much alcohol, such as beer, wine, or distilled spirits. It can have varying effects depending on the individual – some people have a hangover after just one alcoholic beverage, whereas others can consume alcohol excessively without getting a hangover.

On average, the body can process an alcoholic beverage every hour. When you consume a lot of alcohol in a short period, you are more likely to have a hangover once the intoxicating effects of the alcohol wear off. According to research, around 75% of people who drank too much the night before reported hangover symptoms. Based on the findings, 25 to 30 percent of individuals who drink may be immune to hangovers.

Symptoms of a Hangover

You may experience many symptoms when you have a hangover, and these can be split into mild and severe. Some mild symptoms may include thirst and dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, sweating and increased blood pressure. On the other hand, severe symptoms are headaches, higher sensitivity to sound and light, lower attention, vomiting, and irritability.

Most of the hangover symptoms described tend to fade after your blood alcohol level (BAC) reduces to a normal level. It is important to note that the symptoms you experience and how long your hangover lasts depend on many factors, which will be discussed below. Your hangover can last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.

Factors that Influence a Hangover

There are eight major factors that influence a hangover. These include the amount of alcohol consumed, time spent resting after drinking, hydration level, drinking on an empty stomach, other health conditions, age, and genetics.

Amount of alcohol consumed: The severity of the hangover is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed. The same holds for the time component, as it grows more prevalent as time goes on. However, there are instances when some people report experiencing hangovers even after consuming only 1-3 alcoholic beverages. It is also surprising when habitual drinkers say they have not had a hangover in a long time. The duration of alcohol exposure, whether ingested in a single sitting or a tapering increase of the quantity drank over weeks, is directly proportional to the occurrence of hangovers. In a study involving Finnish men, researchers discovered a link between greater weekly intake and the prevalence and frequency of hangovers. Heavy drinkers who consumed nearly or above 106 grams weekly had more hangovers, according to the Finnish study.
Time spent resting after drinking: Hangovers may be severe if you do not get enough sleep after consuming alcohol. Sleep deprivation can increase hangover symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, and headaches. While small to moderate quantities of alcohol may improve sleep initially, research shows that higher dosages and long-term use disrupt sleep patterns. A good night’s sleep can help you recover more quickly and relieve the symptoms you are experiencing.
Hydration level: Alcohol inhibits kidney function by reducing the generation of vasopressin antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is a hormone that tells the brain to keep the particle-to-water ratio in the blood balanced, causing the kidneys to retain or excrete water. The kidneys release more water when ADH production is reduced, creating frequent urges to urinate. One of the causes of a hangover is dehydration and electrolyte loss. Water loss is closely related to cranial hypotension, which produces headaches, and low blood pressure hinders the brain of nutrition and oxygen. This is what causes your disorientation and dizziness. Furthermore, electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which are required for neurotransmission, cause tremors. As a result, becoming dehydrated may account for the unpleasant symptoms you may experience.
Drinking on an empty stomach: Drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended. Instead, you should have a nutritious meal before drinking to ensure that the alcohol is absorbed more slowly. All of the negative repercussions of alcohol misuse, including a long-lasting hangover, are amplified. If you drink on an empty stomach, you may have hangover nausea. In this situation, you should stop right away and tell the person you are with how you are feeling.
Other health conditions: It is critical to look after your physical health, particularly your liver. Alcohol will not be processed if your liver function is poor and on the verge of shutting down. The longer you have a peak BAC, the more likely you are to have impairment and hangovers. You are more prone to have extended symptoms of a hangover if you are low in vital nutrients, such as carbs or trace elements and minerals. According to a recent study, after consuming alcohol the night before, an individual with type 1 diabetes is more likely to have hypoglycemia the next day. Hypoglycemia is a severe condition that is caused by low blood sugar levels.
Age: As you become older, your body’s metabolism slows down, which has an impact on your alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde, a major toxin that contributes to hangover symptoms, is broken down by your liver. It is then broken down further to non-toxic acetate, which is easily excreted from the body. However, because liver function declines with age, acetaldehyde tends to stay longer in the system of the elderly, resulting in longer hangovers.
Genetics: Because of their genetic composition, some people get less severe hangovers. According to studies, both men and women are roughly 43 percent resistant to hangovers. This suggests that genes have a role in the capacity to drink without feeling the negative consequences of drunkenness. People who have a lower reaction to alcohol intoxication and who are resistant to hangovers, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of developing a dependency.
Medications: Some medications can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol effectively. You will be more prone to vomit as a result, and your hangover will stay longer. The following drugs affect how alcohol is metabolized in the body. These include antidepressants, antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, and allergy medications.

Treating a Hangover

Below are some tips to help you treat a hangover and recover quickly. Having nutritious meals, adding ginger to your diet, taking a shower, staying hydrated, and trying herbal remedies like ginseng are all helpful.

Have nutritious meals: One quick hangover remedy is to eat. Nutrition may be defined as a process that achieves energy provision and bodily function maintenance. Food replaces nutrients that have been depleted from a hangover, so you should eat meals that help restore these nutrients. For instance, this includes meals with potassium, magnesium, cysteine, vitamins, iron, and other nutrients. Nutrition is critical for sustaining physiological function and producing energy. Foods high in protein and fat are also known to have slow-burning qualities, which aid in the body’s fast regulation of alcohol absorption. Foods that quickly replace depleted nutrients include milk, eggs, and green vegetables like kale and spinach.
Add ginger to your diet: Ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for stomach pains and hangover symptoms. This is because ginger improves digestion, which can help to relieve stomach problems. A common cause of hangover nausea is inflammation of the stomach lining. Thankfully, ginger’s chemical components may help with digestive problems and inflammation. This superfood may be consumed in a variety of ways; for instance, you can drink ginger tea or add raw ginger to smoothies.
Take a shower: Showering can assist in reducing the intensity of intoxication, especially if you alternate between hot and cold water. Rapid temperature fluctuation aids in the stimulation of blood circulation throughout the body. Toxins produced by alcohol metabolism are removed, leaving the body feeling rejuvenated and alert. Showering reduces inflammation and relieves the muscles by lowering tension. Hangover nausea, headaches, and sweating are among the most common side effects of a hangover. Because of the effectiveness and simplicity of this approach, most people consider it to be an excellent hangover remedy.
Try ginseng: Ginseng has been practiced in Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been used by herbalists to cure anything from stress to asthma. According to a study, red ginseng tea can quickly treat a hangover by breaking down ethanol and lowering hangover intensity. Furthermore, a plant called Siberian ginseng extract was discovered to aid with hangover symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. Ginseng is usually thought to be safe for most people. If you have hypertension or diabetes, it is best to see your doctor before using this method.
Stay hydrated: Drinking water can assist in preventing dehydration caused by drinking too much. Excessive dehydration occurs as a result of alcohol intake, exacerbating the symptoms of hangovers. In other words, the more water you drink during a hangover, the fewer symptoms you will have. Excessive water consumption increases mental function and helps to flush out toxins. The following problems are caused by dehydration:

Higher risk of wrinkling and skin disorders
Electrolyte imbalance in the body
Kidney failure
Immune system problems, among other things

Hangover Supplements

Hangover supplements are an effective way to relieve hangovers. This includes substances with anti-hangover properties, such as vitamins, amino acids, and herbal extracts. Antioxidants in hangover supplements neutralize the toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, vitamins help your liver break down alcohol and its by-products, making them an efficient hangover remedy.

Your body loses critical vitamins and minerals when you drink alcohol, with Vitamin B and C being the most important. According to research, hangover supplements like Vitamin B complex are a highly effective hangover treatment. Vitamin B12 is a crucial ingredient since it aids in the proper functioning of the brain and neurological system. When your vitamin B12 levels are low, it can have a negative impact on your mood and increase your anxiety.

L-cysteine is one of the most effective amino acids for treating hangovers. When it comes to fighting a hangover and all the harmful consequences that alcohol may have on your body, this ingredient can do wonders. It accomplishes this by boosting your body’s ability to create antioxidants, which can help to minimize the toxicity that causes hangover nausea and headaches.

Can-i Wellness Solutions

Can-i Wellness is the trusted brand for sports, fitness, and wellness enthusiasts. We offer four distinct experiences for the different challenges you may face throughout the day: Can-i Boost, Can-i Mend, Can-i Fresh and Can-i Sleep. Our oral sprays contain a powerful combination of over 50 vitamins, nutrients, and herbal extracts that work better together. Can-i Wellness is actively used by Olympians and NHL players, including swimmer Dara Torres and emergency backup goalie David Ayres, to support high performance.

Can-i Mend, in particular, is a natural replacement that assists in the recovery process after a late night. Can-i Mend is a vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free, and allergen-free product entirely composed of natural ingredients including ginger root, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, L-cysteine and glycine, and many more.

This is the product to take if you need quick relief from a hangover or help to get back on track with your day. Can-i Mend is a hangover remedy that helps you get back to your active lifestyle by speeding up the body’s natural healing process. It is easy to use, quick to work for the greatest benefits, and excellent as a hangover remedy.

Final Remarks

So, how long does a hangover last? The simple answer is that it depends on several factors. Most hangovers last 24 hours, but some may last up to 72 hours based on the factors explored in this article. Along with the tips mentioned, hangover supplements can also help you recover quickly and reduce the symptoms you experience. While a hangover may look different for everyone, prioritizing your health and wellness is a must.