Health Guide / Health Glossary / Hangover Symptoms & Severity
Hangover Symptoms & Severity
What is a Hangover?
A hangover is the broad term for various physical and mental symptoms that sometimes occur after alcohol consumption.
What are the symptoms of a Hangover?
The most common hangover symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and a general feeling of uneasiness.
There are many other symptoms of hangovers, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth and throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shakiness or tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach ache or stomach discomfort
- Decreased ability to concentrate
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Mood changes, such as irritability and anxiety
- Increased thirst
- Sweating
- Drowsiness or difficulty sleeping
- General feeling of being unwell
What affects the severity of a Hangover?
The severity of a hangover can vary depending on the individual and the amount of alcohol consumed.
Amount of Alcohol Consumed
The more alcohol you drink, the more likely you are to have a severe hangover.
Type of Alcohol Consumed
Some types of alcohol, such as whiskey and red wine, contain chemical byproducts of fermentation called congeners that can contribute to the severity of a hangover.
Body Weight & Gender
Generally, women are more susceptible to hangovers than men because they have a higher proportion of body fat and lower levels of the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol called alcohol dehydrogenase.
Drinking History & Tolerance
People who drink regularly may have a higher tolerance for alcohol and therefore may experience less severe hangovers.
Your Metabolism
Everyone's body metabolizes alcohol differently, some people may be more prone to severe hangovers.
Hydration Prevents Hangovers
Drinking alcohol can dehydrate the body, which can contribute to the severity of a hangover.
Your Age
As you get older, you may experience more severe hangovers due to changes in your body's ability to metabolize alcohol.
Quantity & Quality of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep or poor quality of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of a hangover.
Overall, it's worth mentioning that drinking too much can lead to many different serious health issues, so it's important to drink responsibly.
Related Terms
Hangover prevention is key because once you have a hangover, there's almost nothing that will make it better besides simply waiting until the hangover is gone.
The duration of a hangover can vary depending on many different factors. Hangover prevention is key, because once you have a hangover, there's almost nothing that will make it better besides simply waiting until the hangover is gone.
Androgen deficiency is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in androgens. Symptoms of androgen deficiency may include decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
