New publications
11 myths about hangovers
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
There are about as many myths about hangover syndrome as there are different alcoholic drinks that cause it. Web2Health will try to dispel the most popular ones.
Myth #1 A hangover is not scary
A hangover is the body's response to alcohol intoxication. Alcohol reacts with chemicals in the brain, and drinking too much affects the nervous system. Excessive drinking in the evening can result in dehydration, headache, nausea, and dizziness in the morning. Regular binges can weaken the immune system.
Myth #2 Hangovers are the same for both men and women
Drinking the same drinks in the same quantities by women and men can quickly put the weaker sex on its shoulder blades, because women risk getting drunk much faster than men. The fact is that the body of the strong half of humanity contains a relatively larger amount of water, which helps to dissolve alcohol.
Myth #3 Only alcoholics suffer from hangovers
This is true, as long drinking sessions speed up the path to a hangover, but even if you get drunk once, you can suffer the whole next day. And a lot depends on your body type, as even one drink can lead to hangover symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.
Myth #4 Wine is a light drink
Tannins found in wine can cause severe headaches in some people. Malt drinks such as whiskey can cause severe hangovers.
Myth #5 Diet shakes are harmless
If you write down every calorie, then diet calories may help you in this case, but you will hardly be able to avoid a hangover in the morning.
Myth #6 Strong drinks drunk before beer are not scary
The order of drinking alcoholic beverages does not matter, the main thing is the quantity. The only thing that can be affected by the order of drinking is, again, the quantity. Whatever you say, excessive libations are bad.
Myth #7 Eating after intoxication
After you've already consumed an immeasurable amount of alcohol, eating before bed won't help you get rid of a hangover. It can save you or ease the unpleasant state in the morning, but to do this, you need to eat before the fun begins. Fatty foods are the best at slowing down the absorption of alcohol.
Myth #8 Painkillers before bed will relieve headaches in the morning
Over-the-counter medications have their strongest effect four hours after taking them, so it's best to take your medications right after waking up. Don't take paracetamol after drinking alcohol, as alcohol interferes with the liver's absorption of acetaminophen, which can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
Myth #9 Alcohol improves sleep
Quite the opposite, alcohol disrupts normal sleep. Even though a person falls asleep faster with a small dose of alcohol, the quality of their sleep is worse. You will most likely wake up earlier and will not spend the necessary period of time in the REM sleep phase.
Myth #10 A morning drink will cure a hangover
Adding a dose of alcohol in the morning will only delay the hangover, and the most unpleasant symptoms occur when the blood alcohol level reaches 0.
Myth #11 Coffee will help you get organized
Coffee will only lead to more severe dehydration and worsen hangover symptoms. It is better to drink water, especially if you have been vomiting.