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What is Hangxiety?
It can be nice to go out and enjoy a night of drinking with friends or maybe a few at home. But I think we can all agree that hangovers do not feel great!
Hanxiety, also known as hangover anxiety, is a type of anxiety that a person suffers from as a consequence of consuming a lot of alcohol the night before. The symptoms of hanxiety include the usual symptoms of a hangover but added to that are high levels of anxiety.
Symptoms of Hangxiety
Some symptoms of hangxiety may include:
- Scrolling through messages to check for regrettable actions or messages sent under the influence.
- Excessive worrying about the events of the previous night.
- A general sense of dread or impending doom.
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame.
- Increased heart rate and palpitations.
- Irritability and restlessness.
- Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
How Long Does Hangxiety Last?
The duration of hangxiety varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, individual anxiety levels, and overall health. While some people may experience hangxiety for a few hours, others may endure its effects for an entire day or longer.
Causes of Hangxiety
Understanding the underlying causes of hangxiety can help you address and manage its symptoms more effectively. Why does hangxiety happen? There are some theories about this which include:
Dehydration
When people drink alcohol, they tend to urinate more often! And despite the great advice that drinking water between alcoholic drinks is helpful, not many people will be following it, especially after a good few beers! This leaves people dehydrated, and some studies have shown that being dehydrated can contribute to hangxiety.
Sleep
Even though you may feel that you have had a great night’s sleep after a night of drinking, the sleep that you have when you have been drinking alcohol is not good quality. And for those of you who already suffer from anxiety, you may already know that lack of sleep has a negative effect on your anxiety levels.
Worry
How many of you have woken up too afraid to look at your text messages in case you have said something you regret? Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making you more likely to do or say something under the influence that you wouldn’t dream of doing sober! So worrying about what you might have done the night before can cause hangxiety.
Medication
Certain medications, including anxiety medication, can interact with alcohol. Alcohol can lower their efficiency, causing you to feel anxious, restless, and agitated.
People who suffer from pre-existing anxiety disorders are more likely to have hanxiety.
How to Cure Hangxiety
It would be great if there were a simple hanxiety cure or a quick way to get over hangxiety, but the truth is, that is not the case. However, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms:
- Engage in self-talk to reassure yourself that hangxiety is temporary and will pass.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
- Prioritise self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
- Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if feelings of anxiety persist.
Prevention of Hangxiety
Preventing hangxiety involves making mindful choices about alcohol consumption and implementing preventative measures:
- Drink alcohol in moderation, pacing yourself and alternating alcoholic beverages with water.
- Eat a substantial meal before drinking to slow down alcohol absorption.
- Set limits on alcohol intake and track consumption using smartphone apps (such as the MyDrinkAware App) or other tools.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, which can exacerbate hangover symptoms.
- Prioritise self-care practices to support mental well-being and resilience.
By understanding the causes of hangxiety, recognising its symptoms, and implementing proactive strategies for prevention and management, people can navigate the morning after drinking with greater ease and well-being.
If you suffer from anxiety, there are ways to help relieve these symptoms without consuming alcohol. Check out my anxiety page to learn more about anxiety. You can also check out Mind, Anxiety UK and Ever Mind Matters.
