Do you experience unexplained anxiety along with a hangover after drinking? This phenomenon is known as “hangxiety” or hangover-induced anxiety. According to a study published in the international journal Clinical Medicine, about 12% of people experience hangxiety. So, what types of alcohol are least likely to trigger it?
Hangovers increase levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, while also raising blood pressure and heart rate, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing frequent urination, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, can cause dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. Research also shows that dopamine levels decrease during a hangover, exacerbating negative emotions.
Hangxiety partly arises from the brain’s attempt to regain control of the body. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, the body adapts to its intoxicating effects, but the brain detects this and signals the body to remain alert, maintaining control.
Even after alcohol leaves the body, the brain continues to act as though it is fighting a depressant, which can lead to racing heartbeats and anxiety. This effect may persist into the following morning.
David Nutt, a neuropsychopharmacology professor at Imperial College London, suggests that beer might be a better choice. He explains, “Beer is a centuries-old drink, it wasn’t created for social reasons, or drinking for pleasure, but to actually keep us hydrated.” Beer can make you feel full quickly, leading to less alcohol consumption overall. Low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers are particularly beneficial for mental health the next day.
On the other hand, strong spirits like brandy or whiskey can worsen hangover symptoms, and wine is also a culprit.
Nutt elaborates that complex and potent alcohols trigger greater brain adaptation, leading to stronger intoxication even with smaller amounts. This leads to more severe hangovers and heightened anxiety.
Red wine, in particular, is more likely to worsen hangover symptoms compared to white wine. This is because red wine contains tyramine and histamine, compounds known to induce anxiety.
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