Understanding what causes a hangover headache can help you take steps to mitigate the symptoms, plus give you a heads-up on how to avoid another one in the future.
This article explains why hangover headaches occur, especially in people with underlying migraine disorders. It presents some home remedies to treat your headache until the hangover passes.
What Is a Hangover Headache?
A hangover headache—also called a delayed alcohol-induced headache—usually comes on the morning after drinking the night before, once the alcohol is out of your system. A hangover usually lasts for around 24 hours.
Consuming alcohol can also trigger an underlying primary headache disorder. So if you already experience migraines, cluster headaches, or tension-type headaches, drinking alcohol may precipitate your usual headache attack.
Scientists are not certain as to what causes hangovers, but there are several theories. Some potential causes include:
DehydrationThe direct effect of alcohol on the brainThe withdrawal of alcoholAlcohol additivesAlterations in the body’s hormonesThe effects of acetaldehyde, a product of alcohol metabolism
Dehydration occurs because alcohol inhibits the effect of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Normally, ADH stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb water from urine to prevent dehydration.
But by inhibiting ADH, water is instead urinated out at a faster rate than you’re adding fluids back. Hydration can help to ease a hangover but it does not completely alleviate the symptoms.
Hangovers vary in severity and symptoms from person to person and episode to episode. In addition, some people may be born with a genetic predisposition to developing worse hangovers than others.
Hangover Headache Symptoms
Hangover headaches tend to have symptoms common to many people. The headaches often occur along with other symptoms related to drinking alcoholic beverages.
Hangover headaches typically will:
Occur on both sides of the headBe located on the forehead and/or the templesPulsateWorsen with physical activity
In addition to a headache, other common symptoms of a hangover include:
DiarrheaLoss of appetiteFatigueNauseaDizzinessFast heart rateSweatingReduced attention and concentrationLow or anxious moodGeneral feeling of unwellness
Hangover Headache Treatment
If you have a hangover, it will take time for the headache to completely go away, but there are certain measures you can take to relieve its severity.
Self Care
Having a hangover is exhausting, so getting as much rest as possible is important to restore your energy and well-being.
Other things you can do to help yourself feel better include avoiding smoking and putting a cold compress on your head if it relieves your headache.
Medication
Taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like Advil (ibuprofen) can usually ease a hangover headache, but be sure take an NSAID with food, as it may upset your stomach.
Some people cannot take NSAIDs due to underlying medical problems, so be sure it is safe for you to do so.
Nutrition
The most important thing to consume while you are recovering from a hangover is liquid, in order to avoid further dehydration. Any liquid (except alcohol!) that you find palatable is acceptable, such as boullion, chicken soup, sports drinks, or water. Fruit juices can also help to boost your blood sugar.
If you’re feeling queasy, avoid rich, greasy foods and stick to dry, bland foods like toast and crackers.
Prevention
The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover headache is to avoid alcohol, or at least drink in moderation.
For healthy adults, moderate drinking means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and two drinks a day for men. A “drink” in this case is considered a 5-ounce glass of wine or 12 ounces of beer.
If you are going to drink, here are some tips for lessening the effect of alcohol:
Eat before and while drinking. Alcohol is absorbed more quickly if your stomach is empty, so eating something may help slow down its effects. Choose carefully. Beverages with fewer congeners are slightly less likely to cause hangovers than beverages with more congeners, but remember that all types of alcohol can result in a hangover. Sip water between drinks. Drinking a full glass of water after each alcoholic drink will help you stay hydrated. It’ll also help you drink less alcohol. Know your limits and only drink in moderation. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you’ll have—and stick to it. Don’t feel pressured to drink.
Remember to take it slow, too. Avoid having more than one alcoholic drink per hour. Stop drinking completely when you’ve reached your limit (or before then).
A Word From Verywell
If you want to avoid a hangover headache, the best thing you can do is think before you drink. Is the hangover headache worth it? It may be that avoiding or moderating alcohol intake is the best decision for you.Talk to your healthcare provider about alcohol use, which can have serious health and social consequences.
