Almost everyone knows that feeling of waking up after a night of drinking with a pounding headache, nausea, dizziness and sensitivity to light and sound. This is known as a hangover.
There are many myths surrounding hangovers, and it can be difficult to sort out the facts from the fiction. In this article, we will explore 10 common myths and facts about hangovers.
Myth: Drinking coffee can cure a hangover
Fact: Drinking coffee may temporarily mask some of the symptoms of a hangover, but it will not cure it. In fact, coffee can make dehydration worse, which is a common cause of hangover symptoms.
Myth: Drinking water before bed will prevent a hangover
Fact: Drinking water before bed can certainly help, but it will not completely prevent a hangover. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and even if you drink enough water before bed, you may still wake up with some hangover symptoms.
Myth: Mixing types of alcohol causes worse hangovers
Fact: The type of alcohol you drink does not impact the severity of a hangover. However, different types of alcohol may have different effects on your body, so it is possible to experience different symptoms depending on what you drank.
Myth: Only heavy drinkers get hangovers
Fact: Hangovers can occur in anyone who drinks alcohol, regardless of how much they drink. However, heavy drinkers are more likely to experience more severe hangover symptoms.
Myth: Eating a big meal before drinking will prevent a hangover
Fact: While it is true that eating before drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, it will not completely prevent a hangover. You may still experience some symptoms after a night of heavy drinking.
Myth: Taking painkillers before bed can prevent a hangover
Fact: Taking painkillers before bed may help with headache and body aches, but it will not prevent a hangover. In fact, taking painkillers while drinking can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Myth: The color of your drink can impact the severity of a hangover
Fact: The color of your drink has no impact on the severity of a hangover. The amount of alcohol you consume and how quickly you drink it are the primary factors in determining how bad your hangover will be.
Myth: Hangovers only last a few hours
Fact: Hangovers can last anywhere from several hours to a full day, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how much alcohol you consumed.
Myth: Drinking water during a night of heavy drinking will prevent a hangover
Fact: While drinking water can help prevent dehydration, it will not completely prevent a hangover. You may still experience symptoms even if you drink plenty of water throughout the night.
Myth: A “hair of the dog” cure can cure a hangover
Fact: While drinking more alcohol may temporarily alleviate some hangover symptoms, it will not cure a hangover. In fact, using alcohol to cure a hangover can lead to a dangerous cycle of drinking and feeling worse.