News
September 08, 2025
Why the two-day hangover is real (and how to recover quickly)
Telegraph: Recovering from a big night gets harder as we age, so what can we do about it?
**Why the two-day hangover is real (and how to recover quickly)**
The dreaded two-day hangover. It’s not a myth whispered in hushed tones between regretful revelers. It's a real phenomenon, especially as we get older, and *The Telegraph* recently explored why this happens and, more importantly, what we can do to combat its debilitating effects.
While a single-day hangover feels like a punishment for poor choices, the two-day version feels almost cruel. The Telegraph's article dives into the physiological reasons behind this extended suffering. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing alcohol. The liver, responsible for breaking down alcohol, slows down, meaning toxins linger longer in our system. This prolonged exposure to acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, contributes significantly to the extended misery.
Furthermore, the article highlights the impact of alcohol on sleep. While a nightcap might initially induce drowsiness, it severely disrupts the natural sleep cycle. This leads to fragmented sleep, leaving us feeling groggy and unrested even after a seemingly long night. As we age, our sleep quality naturally declines, making us even more vulnerable to the sleep-disrupting effects of alcohol and therefore more susceptible to extended hangover symptoms.
So, what can be done to mitigate the dreaded two-day hangover? The Telegraph offers some practical advice. Hydration, of course, is key. Alcohol is a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which exacerbates hangover symptoms. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol is crucial. Electrolyte-rich drinks can also help replenish lost minerals.
Beyond hydration, the article emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself and being mindful of the type of alcohol consumed. Drinks with higher levels of congeners, chemicals produced during fermentation (found in darker liquors like whiskey and brandy), tend to worsen hangover symptoms. Choosing lighter-colored drinks like vodka or gin might be a wiser choice.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, The Telegraph underscores the importance of moderation. While occasionally indulging is fine, excessive alcohol consumption puts a significant strain on the body, leading to more severe and prolonged hangovers. Knowing your limits and sticking to them is the best way to avoid the two-day hangover altogether. Listen to your body, prioritize sleep, and stay hydrated – these are the keys to a quicker recovery and a return to feeling like yourself.
The dreaded two-day hangover. It’s not a myth whispered in hushed tones between regretful revelers. It's a real phenomenon, especially as we get older, and *The Telegraph* recently explored why this happens and, more importantly, what we can do to combat its debilitating effects.
While a single-day hangover feels like a punishment for poor choices, the two-day version feels almost cruel. The Telegraph's article dives into the physiological reasons behind this extended suffering. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing alcohol. The liver, responsible for breaking down alcohol, slows down, meaning toxins linger longer in our system. This prolonged exposure to acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, contributes significantly to the extended misery.
Furthermore, the article highlights the impact of alcohol on sleep. While a nightcap might initially induce drowsiness, it severely disrupts the natural sleep cycle. This leads to fragmented sleep, leaving us feeling groggy and unrested even after a seemingly long night. As we age, our sleep quality naturally declines, making us even more vulnerable to the sleep-disrupting effects of alcohol and therefore more susceptible to extended hangover symptoms.
So, what can be done to mitigate the dreaded two-day hangover? The Telegraph offers some practical advice. Hydration, of course, is key. Alcohol is a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which exacerbates hangover symptoms. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol is crucial. Electrolyte-rich drinks can also help replenish lost minerals.
Beyond hydration, the article emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself and being mindful of the type of alcohol consumed. Drinks with higher levels of congeners, chemicals produced during fermentation (found in darker liquors like whiskey and brandy), tend to worsen hangover symptoms. Choosing lighter-colored drinks like vodka or gin might be a wiser choice.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, The Telegraph underscores the importance of moderation. While occasionally indulging is fine, excessive alcohol consumption puts a significant strain on the body, leading to more severe and prolonged hangovers. Knowing your limits and sticking to them is the best way to avoid the two-day hangover altogether. Listen to your body, prioritize sleep, and stay hydrated – these are the keys to a quicker recovery and a return to feeling like yourself.
Category:
Politics