The feeling of anxiety that can accompany a hangover, commonly referred to as 'hang-xiety', is a real phenomenon, according to Professor Celia Morgan, a psychopharmacology expert at the University of Exeter. Alcohol's impact on the brain, sleep, hormones, and nervous system helps explain why drinking can lead to an anxious morning.
Alcohol influences two key brain chemicals: GABA, which reduces nerve-cell activity, and glutamate, involved in excitation. While drinking, alcohol enhances GABA and suppresses glutamate, contributing to feelings of relaxation. However, as alcohol leaves the system, the brain attempts to restore balance, potentially leading to increased alertness and arousal, which can trigger anxiety.
A 2023 study involving over 5,000 students in the UK and the Netherlands indicated that 18.3% experienced anxiety symptoms when hungover. Research also suggests that individual psychological characteristics and genetics may play a role, with shy individuals potentially experiencing a more pronounced increase in anxiety the day after drinking.
Disrupted sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep vital for emotional regulation, and dehydration can also reduce the ability to cope with anxious thoughts. Dr Alanna Hare, President of the British Sleep Society, notes that light and broken sleep can leave individuals feeling on edge.
Experts advise that moderating alcohol intake is crucial. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks and eating during a night out may also help. UK guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across several days.