Sometimes, even if you took all of the appropriate steps to avoid a hangover, you still might experience one, and it may bring anxiety along for the ride with it. One common reason to become anxious with a hangover is if you are a person who is prone to anxiety in the first place. Just think of how some people get nauseas from one drink, while others can drink many without getting queasy. It might seem very straightforward that the cause of hangxiety is a hangover. There are many different forms of anxiety, but in general the word is used to describe when you feel afraid or worried without a specific reason to. Ariane Resnick, CNC is a mental health writer, certified nutritionist, and wellness author who advocates for accessibility and inclusivity.
Choose your drinks wisely
Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s also beneficial for your mental health. Natural remedies for anxiety are those that don’t involve conventional medications (medicine you get from a doctor or health professional). While some people benefit from taking medication, others find success with natural remedies. Dealing with anxiety can be stressful, but it is treatable.
Coping strategies: how to stop hangover anxiety
More research on humming for stress or anxiety relief is needed, but one recent small study found that the practice appeared to have a positive affect on stress; humming may also increase attention and improve sleep quality. “Humming activates the parasympathetic nervous system and can slow down your stress response, so that is a unique thing that is easy to incorporate to manage the symptoms of anxiety while you’re having them,” says Dr. Guan. Study after study has found an abundance of evidence that chamomile may help improve anxiety symptoms, not only in people with diagnosed anxiety disorders, but in those with mild symptoms of anxiety as well. In fact, the gut microbiome impacts neurotransmitter function in the brain, which affects things like risk for depression, anxiety and other cognitive or mental health issues, a study from 2024 found. Regularly engaging in these exercises can have positive long-term effects on mental health as well.
- But they can also cause unexpected psychological symptoms, including anxiety.
- (Reframe the way you think and drink through neuroscience)
- Focus on what you need to feel calm, whether that’s curling up in a blanket or texting a friend, and remember that you’ll feel better soon.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mindfulness helps to bring your body and mind into balance. Whether it’s taking a quick walk or petting your favorite pooch, learn how to ease your stress in seconds. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or refer you to a specialist. A cycle can develop, leading to alcohol dependence.
Alcohol intolerance
Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for anxiety. Like other hangover symptoms, hangxiety may be nothing more than a passing discomfort. Moderation allows people to enjoy the pleasurable effects of alcohol before physical impairment occurs, Turner explains. If you find yourself frequently drinking more than you planned (and experiencing anxiety afterward), it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate things. Over time, these habits may not only worsen anxiety after drinking.
Causes of Hangxiety
Often, a big part of hangxiety is worrying about what you might have said or done while drinking. Researchers then measured levels of anxiety before, during, and after the drinking or sober periods. New research suggests highly shy people may have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety with a hangover. Whether you have one drink or five, your body eventually has to process the alcohol out of your system.
Alcoholic drinks with high-sugar content mixers may also worsen hangxiety symptoms. The duration of hangxiety can vary depending on factors like the amount of alcohol consumed, individual metabolism, and overall health. However, for some people, especially those who drink heavily, symptoms might linger for up to 48 hours.
How does magnesium help with hangxiety relief?
It may even have clinical-level therapeutic effects. Physical exercise has been shown to help alleviate anxiety. They include simple deep breathing, box breathing (square breathing), or four-seven-eight breathing. These tools work by bringing mindful attention to the breath and body. There are many healing herbs or medicinal plants for anxiety relief that can be consumed in teas, pills, capsules, and powders added to beverages. They do not treat or cure anxiety disorders.
Physical Exercise
The mind-body connection likely plays a big role in hangxiety. Alcohol is also known to make anxiety worse, so you may be more prone to hangxiety if you already have anxiety to begin with. Even if you’ve gotten plenty of sleep, it probably wasn’t of the best quality, which can leave you feeling a bit off. Alcohol use can affect your sleep, even if you don’t drink much. Other symptoms include sleepiness or excitability and warm, flushed skin, especially on your face and neck. Alcohol helps lower your inhibitions, making you feel more relaxed and comfortable after a few drinks.
When does your brain chemistry return to normal after drinking alcohol?
- Detoxification, commonly known as detox, refers to the physiological process of eliminating harmful substances from the body.
- New research suggests highly shy people may have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety with a hangover.
- However, as your body processes the alcohol, these positive effects begin to fade.
- Eating processed foods high in sugar, which can also mess with your mood and production of feel-good chemicals, and not having consumed enough water while drinking can both intensify hangover and hangxiety symptoms.
Magnesium glycinate stands out among magnesium forms due to its superior bioavailability and gentle gastrointestinal profile. (Reframe the way you think and drink through neuroscience) (Can an App Help You Drink Less?) Breaking this cycle requires addressing both the immediate neurochemical imbalances and the underlying patterns that drive alcohol use. The science behind hangxiety is complex, involving disrupted neurotransmitter balance, elevated cortisol levels, and compromised GABA function. Both work through distinct neurochemical pathways, offering unique benefits for those seeking to break free from alcohol’s grip on their nervous system. Our approach to treatment stands out from typical detox programs Florida centers provide.
Laura is passionate about normalising help seeking and supporting people to understand and improve their mental health and maintain a healthy work/life balance. By exploring these different options, you can find what works best for you and reduce excessive anxiety symptoms. Fidget toys can also provide a release for nervous energy, helping to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Mindful Movement
This article will detail natural remedies for anxiety, potential interactions, and when to see a healthcare provider. Some remedies may not work immediately, but over time as the substances build up in your system (e.g., herbal supplements or adaptogens that protect against stress). If possible, go back to bed and let your body continue to process the alcohol withdrawal while you sleep. The older you get, the harder it becomes for your body to metabolize alcohol, so you might notice that it’s harder to avoid a hangover than it used to be.
Ashwagandha’s anti-anxiety effects work through multiple pathways, making it particularly effective for hangxiety relief. Our licensed medical reviewers, specializing in mental health and addiction medicine, are devoted to assisting readers and potential clients in making informed decisions about their treatment. With all the opportunities to consume alcohol in everyday life, it can be easy to slip into a destructive pattern of drinking. If you experience anxiety after drinking but cannot stop, you may need professional help to safely quit drinking and avoid relapse. Post-drinking anxiety may be a symptom of withdrawal.
The relationship between alcohol and anxiety can be complex, and hangxiety may happen for several reasons. Hangxiety is a common side effect of drinking more than your body can handle comfortably. Alcohol is actually a sedative so your body releases adrenalin, a natural energy booster, to counter its sedating effects. However, as your body processes the alcohol, these positive effects begin to fade. If you’ve ever woken up after a night of drinking feeling anxious, restless, or full of dread, then you know what we’re talking about. But equally debilitating, if not more so, is “hangxiety”, or hangover-anxiety.
Measuring Hangxiety Relief
Protect yourself against anxiety by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a healthy sleep environment, and reaching out for professional help if lifestyle changes aren’t working. One meta-analysis Hangxiety relief from 2019 published in the journal Depression and Anxiety found exercise helps protect against anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. They ease anxiety in part by reducing the body’s stress response signals.
