After a fun night out, you might wake up feeling more than just a hangover. Along with the headache and tiredness, there’s another feeling that’s harder to shake—anxiety. If you’ve ever experienced this, you’re not alone. There’s even a name for it: hangxiety. But why does it happen, and how can you feel better? Let’s dive into the answers to some common questions about hangxiety.
What Is Hangxiety?
Hangxiety is the anxiety you feel after drinking alcohol, usually the next morning. While a regular hangover can make you feel sick, dizzy, or dehydrated, hangxiety brings in feelings of worry, nervousness, or even panic. It’s your brain and body’s way of reacting to alcohol after the buzz wears off.
Why Do I Get Anxiety After Drinking?
Alcohol affects your brain chemistry. While it might make you feel relaxed or even happier when you’re drinking, it messes with your mood afterward. Here’s why:
- Alcohol is a depressant: It slows down the communication between your brain and body, which can feel calming at first. But when the alcohol wears off, your brain tries to catch up, and this can lead to feelings of anxiety.
- Dehydration: Alcohol makes you lose more water, which can affect your body and mind, leaving you feeling tired, shaky, and anxious.
- Lack of sleep: Drinking can mess with your sleep cycle. Even if you slept a lot, it’s not good-quality sleep, which can make anxiety worse.
How Long Does Hangxiety Last?
Hangxiety can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how much you drank, your health, and how your body reacts to alcohol. For most people, it goes away within 24 hours after the drinking stops.
How Can I Get Rid of Hangxiety?
Dealing with hangxiety can be tough, but there are some things you can try to feel better faster:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out the alcohol and restore balance to your body.
- Eat a good meal: Eating something nutritious can give your body the energy it needs to recover.
- Rest: Even though your sleep may have been disturbed, try to get some rest or take a nap. A calm environment can help reduce anxiety.
- Breathe and relax: Practice deep breathing or try meditation. Slowing your breathing can help calm your mind and reduce feelings of panic.
- Distract yourself: Watching a funny movie, going for a walk, or talking to a friend can help take your mind off the anxiety.
Does Everyone Get Hangxiety?
Not everyone experiences hangxiety, but it’s pretty common. Some people are more sensitive to alcohol and its effects on the brain. If you already struggle with anxiety in daily life, you’re more likely to experience it after drinking.
What Causes Hangxiety?
Several things can cause hangxiety:
- Changes in brain chemistry: Alcohol increases your levels of a feel-good chemical called dopamine while you drink. But when those levels drop afterward, it can leave you feeling anxious.
- Withdrawal: Even though you only drank for a short time, your brain can feel like it’s in a mini withdrawal when the alcohol leaves your system.
- Personal triggers: Stress or worries you had before drinking can feel worse the next day.
Can Hangxiety Be Prevented?
Yes, there are ways to lower your chances of feeling anxious after drinking:
- Drink less: This might seem obvious, but drinking in moderation is the best way to prevent hangxiety.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water in between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
- Eat before you drink: Having food in your stomach can slow down how quickly alcohol hits your system.
- Get a good night’s sleep: Try to rest well the night after drinking to give your body a chance to recover.
Is Hangxiety a Sign of a Bigger Problem With Alcohol?
If you experience hangxiety regularly or if your anxiety feels overwhelming, it might be a sign that your body isn’t handling alcohol well. This doesn’t mean you have an alcohol problem, but it could be worth thinking about how much you’re drinking and whether it’s affecting your mental health.
What Can I Do to Calm Down When I Have Hangxiety?
When hangxiety hits, try these quick tips to calm down:
- Take deep breaths: Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth. This can help slow your heart rate and calm your mind.
- Get moving: Even a short walk can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters.
- Talk it out: Call a friend or family member. Sometimes talking to someone else can help take your mind off the anxiety.
Is Hangxiety Related to My Mental Health?
If you have a history of anxiety or other mental health issues, you may be more prone to hangxiety. Alcohol can heighten anxiety symptoms, especially once the effects wear off. If you feel like hangxiety is getting in the way of your life or mental health, it might be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Hangxiety can be a frustrating and confusing experience. While alcohol might seem like a way to unwind, it can have the opposite effect the next day. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it or manage it when it happens. By understanding how alcohol affects your body and brain, you can find ways to reduce or avoid hangxiety altogether.
If you ever find that anxiety from drinking is affecting your life too much, it’s okay to take a break from alcohol or seek professional help by contacting us.