Waking up with a hangover should make a top 10 list of things people hate waking up to. Simply put, hangovers are awful. Even the mildest of hangovers will leave you feeling groggy, tired, and slowed down the next day. While the most violent of hangovers will have you in the fetal position hugging the base of your porcelain throne. Hangovers suck. No matter how you spin it. From gut-wrenching stomach-cramps and nausea, to headaches that feel like being run over by a train, hangovers come with some awful symptoms.
Whether you’re keenly aware of the god-awful accompaniment that comes along with a hangover, or you’re wondering what to expect after your first weekend partying, it can be empowering to know what potentially lies ahead. And what to do if you find yourself mitigating a hangover.
Nasty Nausea
Nausea is probably one of the worst symptoms that comes along with a hangover. Thankfully, nausea and vomiting really only come into play when it’s a seriously nasty hangover. That being said, a night of over-doing-it with booze can leave you curled up in the fetal position on the bathroom floor and promising you’ll never drink again (it’s okay we’ve all been there.)
Nausea is specifically annoying to deal with when you’re hungover because it makes it really difficult to keep other foods or liquids down. This is a double-edged-sword because eating and rehydrating are two of the best hangover-recovery-remedies there are. If you’re finding it specifically difficult to stomach anything during a hangover, you may want to check out the potential benefits of a hangover drink. Hangover drinks are specifically designed to give your body the electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs in order to function and feel okay.
Head Hammering Headaches
A pounding headache is likely the most common symptom of a hangover. Headaches come with nearly every severity of hangovers, too. Whether it feels like it’s just a mild one that nags you all day long, or, in more severe cases, has you unable to open your eyes, headaches are a staple of hangovers.
Headaches can also be caused by levels of dehydration. This is important to note because consuming alcohol naturally dehydrates the body, creating the perfect breeding grounds for a crippling headache. Rehydrating and replenishing your body’s natural electrolytes and vitamins is a good way to fend off a hangover-headache. If rehydrating by itself isn’t doing the trick, though, you can always look to an over-the-counter painkiller like Advil or Ibuprofen. However, in the instance of a hangover, Tylenol should be avoided at all costs as its active ingredient acetaminophen has a negative reaction with alcohol in the system that can result in permanent and severe liver damage. As such, any over-the-counter painkiller with acetaminophen should be avoided in the context of a hangover.
Unsettled Stomach and Stomach Pain
An unsettled stomach and stomach pain are also very common symptoms that accompany a hangover. These can be worsened in the case of over-consumption that actually leads to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Eating a big and balanced breakfast on the morning of the hangover is a great way to help settle your stomach. Some simple carbs and a natural juice is a good way to help stabilize your blood-sugar-levels, and settle your stomach.
Body Aches
Body aches and pains are another relatively common symptom when it comes to hangovers. However, body-aches are typically associated with severe hangovers. Either way, using a painkiller is a good way to fend off some nagging body aches.
Another alternative option to pharmaceuticals is CBD and THC where it’s legal. These compounds are often used in the context of pain relief, and are more natural than over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Poor Sleep
Getting a poor night’s rest is almost a synonym to a bad hangover. Consuming alcohol, especially in large amounts, can lead to disruptive and unhelpful sleep patterns. In other words, you may sleep, but your body won’t get any rest or recovery.
Therefore, making time for a nap on the day of the hangover is a great way to help get your body back on track to recovery. CBD and THC may come in handy here once again, as they promote sleep, and can help you get some rest even if you aren’t feeling your best.
Sweating
Sweating is another symptom of a hangover, though it’s more of just a nuisance and inconvenience more than anything else. Cold-sweats and sweating in general can occur as your body attempts to rid itself of any remaining toxins that are floating through your body.
This is also why some people suggest working out to beat a more mild hangover.
Wrapping Up on Hangover Symptoms
Hangovers suck. There’s no denying it. Understanding the different symptoms that accompany a hangover and having a few tricks to beating those symptoms can help you beat any hangover though, no matter how severe.