Hangovers typically last anywhere from about 8 to 24 hours after your last drink, though in some cases they can extend longer
. The symptoms usually peak when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero and then gradually subside as your body clears alcohol’s toxic byproducts, rehydrates, heals irritated tissues, and restores normal brain and immune function
. The duration and severity of a hangover depend on several factors, including:
- Amount and type of alcohol consumed (higher alcohol content and binge drinking tend to worsen and prolong hangovers)
- Individual tolerance and metabolism differences
- Hydration status, since alcohol causes dehydration
- Sleep quality, as poor sleep can worsen symptoms
- Age, with older adults often experiencing longer hangovers due to slower metabolism
- Underlying health conditions and medications that affect alcohol processing
Common hangover symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, sensitivity to light and sound, irritability, and stomach pain, which typically resolve within about a day
. There is no quick cure; time and hydration are the main remedies. Drinking water and resting help the body recover, but no scientifically proven treatment speeds up hangover resolution
. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake remains the best way to prevent hangovers altogether.
