If you’ve ever experienced a hangover headache, you know how debilitating it can be. The discomfort of a hangover headache can significantly impact your day, making it difficult to focus, work, or even relax. While the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary, there are ways to handle the pain and recover more quickly. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms and our best remedies for how to cure a hangover headache.
What’s the best hangover headache treatment?
Dealing with a hangover headache can be challenging. Whilst there’s no magic hangover cure, some simple remedies and measures can provide effective relief from a serious hangover. Find our tips and tricks below on how to avoid the dreaded ‘hangover headache’ with simple precautions like hydrating, getting lots of rest and more.
-
Hydration
Staying hydrated is a simple yet crucial step when you’re looking to cure a hangover headache. Alcohol causes dehydration by increasing urine production, which can make headache symptoms worse.
Drinking plenty of water before you go to bed and throughout the following day is the easiest way to tackle this. Make sure to sip and not gulp. Flooding your stomach with water can irritate it further and make you feel worse. Beverages with electrolytes, such as sports drinks, can replenish important minerals you may have lost from being sick.
-
Pain Relief Medications
Over-the-counter pain relief medications can be effective in reducing the severity of a headache after drinking. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are commonly recommended. We recommend avoiding paracetamol, as it can be harmful to the liver when alcohol is still present in your system.
-
Balanced Nutrition
Eating a nutritious meal the day after can help stabilise your blood sugar levels, which may be low after drinking. Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as toast and bananas, can provide quick energy and alleviate nausea. Plus, a balanced meal with proteins and healthy fats can sustain your energy levels throughout the day and help remove a hangover headache quickly.
-
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbal remedies have been traditionally used to relieve hangover headaches. Ginger tea can help soothe nausea, while peppermint tea may reduce headache pain. Ginseng has also been studied for its potential as an alcohol headache remedy. A lot of these ingredients can be combined into a delicious hangover remedy smoothie that you can prepare the night before.
-
Light Exercise
While vigorous exercise is not recommended, light activities such as walking or stretching can help boost your circulation and alleviate a bad headache after drinking. Exercise can also increase endorphin levels, which may improve your mood and reduce pain.
-
Avoiding Alcohol
The best way to prevent and cure a hangover headache is to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation. Understanding your limits and choosing lighter beverages with fewer congeners (such as gin and vodka) can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe hangover symptoms.
-
Supplements
Liver-boosting supplements may help mitigate the effects of a hangover headache. The best liver supplements support your liver by replenishing your body’s supply of L-Glutathione and NAC. These ingredients boost your immune system and can help your body detoxify by stimulating cell regeneration. Always consult with a GP before taking any supplements.
-
Time, Sleep & Rest
Whilst you can help your body along with the above tips, it still needs time to process what you put into it the night before. It needs to clear out the toxins, return your brain activity and immune system back to normal, heal your irritated gut tissue and more.
Make sure you give yourself some much-needed rest and recuperation time. Also, alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle, so allowing yourself to catch up on sleep can significantly improve your recovery. Aim for a restful environment and take naps if necessary to help your body heal.
What Causes a Hangover Headache?
Hangover headaches result from a mixture of factors triggered by drinking too much alcohol. Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing these headaches effectively. The primary reasons behind a terrible headache after drinking include:
-
Dehydration
Alcohol acts as a diuretic. This means increased urine production, leading to significant fluid loss. This dehydration is a major contributor to hangover headaches. When your body loses fluid, your brain can temporarily contract from fluid loss, causing pain and discomfort. Dehydration from alcohol can lead to unpleasant symptoms like migraines, dry mouth and fatigue.
-
Vasodilation (vasorelaxation)
Alcohol consumption causes your blood vessels to dilate, or widen. This process, known as vasodilation, can lead to headaches with a hangover due to the increased blood flow to the brain and subsequent pressure changes.
-
Alcohol Metabolism
When your body metabolises alcohol, it breaks it down into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde. This compound is one of the key culprits behind the discomfort experienced during a hangover. It’s more toxic than alcohol itself and can cause inflammation and irritation in your body, contributing to worse hangover symptoms. Additionally, the liver prioritises breaking down alcohol over glucose production. This leads to low blood sugar levels and can bring on a hangover headache.
-
Immune Response
Drinking alcohol can trigger an immune response in your body, causing it to release cytokines. These proteins are involved in inflammation and can contribute to the symptoms of a headache after alcohol consumption, including pain, fatigue, and nausea.
-
Stomach Irritation
Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid and slows the rate of digestion. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting.
-
Sleep Disturbance
Although alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts the sleep cycle and prevents you from getting those important REM cycles that you need for proper rest. This is because your body is processing alcohol whilst you sleep. Poor sleep quality can leave you feeling groggy, irritable and more sensitive to pain caused by a hangover headache.
By understanding these underlying causes, you can take steps to combat the impact of a hangover headache and speed up your body’s recovery process.
How Long Does a Hangover Headache Last?
You know how to remedy an alcohol-induced headache and what causes one - but how long does a hangover headache last? Whilst it can feel like an eternity, the duration can vary a lot. Factors can include the amount of alcohol consumed, individual health and the specific drinks ingested. Generally, a hangover lasts between 24 to 72 hours, but several variables can influence this timeframe:
-
Amount of Alcohol Consumed
The more alcohol you consume, the longer it takes for your body to metabolise it, prolonging the duration of your hangover headache. Heavier drinking sessions can result in more severe and longer-lasting hangovers.
-
Type of Alcohol
Darker alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, whiskey and brandy, contain congeners. These are byproducts of alcohol fermentation and distillation and can make hangover symptoms worse. Congener-heavy drinks often lead to more intense and prolonged hangovers compared to clearer beverages like vodka and gin.
-
Individual Metabolism
Each person metabolises alcohol at a different rate. Factors such as age, gender, body weight and genetic predispositions can affect how quickly your body processes alcohol.
-
Hydration Levels & Sleep Quality
As we mentioned above, alcohol causes dehydration and prevents REM sleep leading to poor rest. The severity of both will affect how long your hangover lasts. The more alcohol you’ve consumed, the worse you’ll be dehydrated and be able to sleep properly.
Typical Hangover Timeline
-
First 12 Hours: Symptoms often peak as your blood alcohol concentration returns to zero. You may experience a bad headache after drinking, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration.
-
12-24 Hours: Symptoms begin to subside as your body continues to process and eliminate toxins. Staying hydrated and resting can help speed up recovery.
-
24-72 Hours: For some, mild symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and mild beer headache may linger, especially after heavy drinking sessions. Recovery strategies like proper hydration, nutrition and rest are crucial during this period.
When Should I Seek Medical Help for a Hangover Headache?
While most hangover headaches can be managed at home, there are instances where severe symptoms may indicate alcohol poisoning, requiring immediate medical attention. Recognising these symptoms can be vital in preventing serious health complications.
Severe Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
-
Confusion and Disorientation
If you or someone else is exhibiting signs of severe confusion, lack of coordination, or disorientation, it could be a sign of alcohol poisoning. This level of impairment goes beyond the typical symptoms of a hangover headache and suggests significant central nervous system depression.
-
Vomiting
Continuous vomiting, especially if accompanied by severe nausea and an inability to keep fluids down, can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Persistent vomiting may also increase the risk of choking, particularly if the person is unconscious or semi-conscious.
-
Seizures
Seizures can occur as a result of severe alcohol intoxication and electrolyte imbalances. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent long-term neurological damage.
-
Slow or Irregular Breathing
Alcohol poisoning can depress the respiratory system, leading to breathing that is slow (less than eight breaths per minute) or irregular (more than 10 seconds between breaths). This can result in decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs.
-
Hypothermia
Severe alcohol intoxication can cause a drop in body temperature, leading to hypothermia. Signs include cold or clammy skin and a bluish tint to the skin, especially around the lips and fingertips.
-
Unconsciousness
If a person is unconscious and cannot be awakened, they are at serious risk of alcohol poisoning. Unlike simply sleeping off a headache after drinking, unconsciousness from alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention.
-
Pale or Bluish Skin
A pale, bluish, or cold appearance of the skin is a sign that oxygen is not being delivered effectively throughout the body. This can indicate severe respiratory depression and circulatory failure.
If you notice any of these severe symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Call emergency services and stay with the person until help arrives, keeping them upright and awake if possible.
Hangover Headache FAQs
Can I get rid of a hangover headache instantly?
There is no instant hangover cure that currently exists. However, several remedies can provide relief and support your body’s recovery. Hydrate thoroughly by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, but avoid paracetamol, as it can harm your liver whilst alcohol is still present in your system. Eating a nutritious meal, resting, and taking herbal remedies such as ginger tea can also help. Light exercise may boost your circulation and improve your mood.
How long does it take for a hangover headache to go away?
The duration of a hangover headache can last between 8 and 24 hours, depending on factors like the amount of alcohol consumed, individual metabolism, and hydration levels. Symptoms often peak within the first 12 hours after your blood alcohol concentration returns to zero and gradually subside with rest, hydration, and proper nutrition.
Do showers help with hangover headache?
While showers won’t cure a hangover headache, they can provide temporary relief and help you feel more refreshed. A cold shower can be stimulating, while a warm shower can improve blood flow and help relax tense muscles. However, they don’t speed up the elimination of alcohol from your body or significantly reduce a hangover headache.
What foods help with a hangover headache?
Foods that help with a hangover headache include those rich in carbohydrates, such as toast and bananas, which can help stabilise blood sugar levels. Hydrating foods like watermelon and oranges are also beneficial. Avoid greasy or heavy foods, which can further irritate your stomach. A balanced meal with proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins can support overall recovery.
What are the best drinks for hangover relief?
The best drink for hangover relief is water, it’s easy to access and works well. Sports drinks with electrolytes, coconut water and non-spicy soup can also help. These beverages help rehydrate your body and replenish lost minerals. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can further dehydrate you. Experts agree to steer clear of more alcohol or “hair of the dog”, as it will only prolong your symptoms.
Can light exercise help with hangover symptoms?
Yes, light exercise can help alleviate hangover symptoms by increasing endorphin levels and improving circulation. Activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga can be beneficial. However, avoid vigorous exercise as it can exacerbate dehydration and fatigue. Make sure to stay hydrated during and after any physical activity.
Final Tips for Relieving Symptoms of a Hangover Headache
Hangovers are never fun, but with the right strategies, you can recover faster and feel better sooner. Remember, the best cure for a hangover is time and rest. But by rehydrating, eating bland foods, taking over-the-counter painkillers (if necessary) and incorporating liver supplements, you can significantly reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.
If you’re looking for a natural way to support your liver health and minimise the effects of alcohol, consider trying LVDY. It’s a convenient, vegan-friendly supplement to help you bounce back from a night out and wake up feeling refreshed.
