What actually causes hangovers? The science behind feeling miserable after a night out

Ever woke up after a night out and wondered why you feel terrible? Or maybe why you feel terrible and your friend didn't? We asked the same question when we designed NextDay and made sure regardless of where you fall on the hangover spectrum, we'd have a science-backed way to help you feel great and stop wasting your day or limiting your night out.

Hangovers are the result of various physiological processes that occur in the body after consuming alcohol. Several scientific reasons contribute to the occurrence of hangovers, including:

1. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production, leading to increased fluid loss from the body. This can result in dehydration, which contributes to many hangover symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and fatigue. Breaking the seal is real, so we included hydration in NextDay.

2. Electrolyte imbalance: Alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, including potassium and sodium. Electrolytes are essential for normal cell function, and an imbalance can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. NextDay includes both to get your electrolytes replenished.

3. Gastrointestinal irritation: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This irritation can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. We included B6 to help with nausea as well as DHM.

4. Changes in sleep patterns: While alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep faster, it can disrupt the quality of your sleep. Alcohol interferes with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is crucial for restorative sleep. As a result, you may experience fatigue, grogginess, and difficulty concentrating the next day. NextDay includes caffeine + B12 to give you a no-jitters energy boost.

5. Acetaldehyde accumulation: When the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, leading to headache, nausea, and general malaise. Our DHM helps break down acetaldehyde.

6. Immune system activation: Alcohol consumption can trigger an immune response in the body, resulting in increased levels of inflammatory substances. This immune activation may contribute to some hangover symptoms, including headache and fatigue. Vitamin C fortifies your immune system.

It is important to note that individual responses to alcohol and hangovers can vary due to factors such as genetics, drinking patterns, and overall health. Additionally, consuming large amounts of alcohol or mixing different types of alcoholic beverages can intensify hangover symptoms. When you wake up, grab a NextDay and make sure you're feeling good fast (or get one that evening if you really need it!).