What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #86

Hangover Effects

Hangovers are a complex mix of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and anxiety, often referred to as "hangxiety." Andrew Huberman explains that hangxiety results from increased cortisol levels following alcohol consumption, leading to stress and anxiety 1. Sleep disruption is another major factor, as alcohol affects the quality of sleep by altering its architecture, resulting in what is often termed as pseudosleep 2.

When alcohol is present in the brain and bloodstream, the architecture of sleep is disrupted.

--- Andrew Huberman

This disruption can lead to multiple awakenings and a lack of restorative sleep, contributing to the overall malaise experienced during a hangover 2.

   

Hangover Remedies

Addressing hangovers requires a multifaceted approach, as they stem from various physiological disruptions. Andrew Huberman suggests maintaining electrolyte balance by consuming sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are often depleted due to alcohol's diuretic effects 3. Additionally, supporting the gut microbiome with fermented foods or probiotics can mitigate some hangover symptoms 4.

Getting rid of hangover is going to be best solved by doing a collection of a small number of very powerful things.

--- Andrew Huberman

Huberman also debunks myths such as the "hair of the dog" approach, emphasizing that consuming more alcohol only delays the inevitable hangover 5.