If you thought the 2-day hangover was a myth, we have some bad news. They are very real and unfortunately, that means a Saturday night out may mean you’ll still be hungover at work Monday.
So, why do 2-day hangovers happen? Well, there are several reasons for this phenomenon that plagues those who drink.
Let’s look at 2-day hangovers, why they happen, and what you can do to prevent them.
Can My Hangover Really Last More Than One Day?
The hangover symptoms you experience the next day are due to your body trying to restore the natural order.
Typically, a hangover will only last 24 hours. When they do last more than that, you could experience different symptoms the next day. Hangover symptoms usually include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
If you move into 2-day hangover territory, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Poor Concentration
What Causes a 2-Day Hangover?
Now that we know about the symptoms, let’s look at what causes a 2-day hangover. The main cause, of course, is drinking too much alcohol.
A couple of drinks here and there aren’t going to result in an agonizing hangover, but it also depends on how well your body can metabolize it.
It’s important to remember that your liver can only metabolize alcohol at a certain rate.
For most people, this is around one drink an hour but there are several factors at play. For instance, your age, weight, height, and gender will all play a role in how quickly your body can metabolize those cocktails you had last night.
Along with your metabolism, several other factors can determine how long your hangover will last.
Your Age
Have you ever heard that hangovers get worse with age? That is a true statement.
This is due to the fact that as you age, your body can’t metabolize alcohol as quickly as it used to.
So, if you’re still trying to drink like you’re in college in your 30s, you might end up with the dreaded 2-day hangover.
The Type of Alcohol You’re Drinking
Another thing to consider is the type of alcohol you’re drinking. This is because different types of alcohol will have different amounts of congeners in them. Congeners are a byproduct of the fermentation process.
Research suggests that congeners are the reason we get hangovers when we drink alcohol.
Dark liquors such as whiskey, rum, and red wine will have a higher concentration of congeners.
So, when people tell you red wine will give you a headache, it’s true. Vodka and tequila are lower in congeners, so they will be less likely to bring on a 2-day hangover.
Any Medications You’re Taking
A 2-day hangover could also be caused by the medications you’re taking. This is because many medications are metabolized in your liver along with alcohol. Some medications may also interact with the enzymes needed to break alcohol down in the body, as well.
So, if you’re on medications they may be the reason you’re experiencing a 2-day hangover.
Becoming unwell
It’s easy to blame a 2 day hangover on alcohol only. But it’s always important to bear in mind whether it’s something else you are experiencing coming down with the flu or catching a stomach bug for example.
Many of the early symptoms can mimic a hangover and if you’re generally feeling rough, it can be hard to tell. If you’re unsure, make sure you speak to your doctor to get some advice.
Getting Rid of a 2-Day Hangover
The only way to truly get rid of a 2-day hangover is with time, rest and patience. There are, however, a few things you can do to get rid of or avoid one.
Hangover Pills and Supplements
When you drink a lot of alcohol, your body may require more vitamins and minerals. A good way to replenish them is with hangover pills that contain vitamins and herbal extracts to support recovery.
Studies have shown that certain B-vitamins are beneficial in reducing hangover symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Whether you have a 2-day hangover or not, it’s always important to hydrate before, during and after a night out.
Exercise
Normally, we would say stay away from the gym when you’re hungover. This still stands for the first day, but if your hangover is moving into the 2-day range, exercise will help you boost your energy and mood to move this hangover along.
Other things to consider
In general, 2 day hangovers are a sign from your body that you’ve had way too much alcohol for your body to handle.
The best way to cure a 2 day hangover is to prevent it from happening in the first place. All that’s required is to drink less and at a slower pace.
Aside from this, making sure you drink a glass of water between every drink can also support hydration and increase the time between alcoholic drinks.
Finally, making sure you don’t drink on an empty stomach is also very important.
Alcohol is absorbed much faster into your bloodstream when it is empty. This causes spikes in blood alcohol concentration which can have a knock-on effect on hangover severity.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, the 2-day hangover is very real and never fun. There are lots of reasons why you make experience a 2 day hangover. But ultimately, it all depends on how much you’ve been drinking.
By that we mean, it’s very unlikely you’ll end up with a 2 day hangover if you only have a couple of drinks. The problems start when you go way over your limits.
Make sure to prepare yourself by staying hydrated and taking anti-hangover supplements with B-vitamins. Stay safe, and drink responsibly!
