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Health

How do you fall asleep quickly after a hangover?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Falling asleep after a hangover can be difficult due to various physiological and psychological factors. However, there are several methods that can help you fall asleep faster after a night of excessive alcohol consumption:

  1. Drink water: Alcohol consumption can cause your body to become dehydrated, and dehydration can make you more alert and sleepless. Drink water to replenish fluids and improve hydration.
  2. Taking analgesics: If you have headaches or body aches due to a hangover, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and improve your ability to sleep.
  3. Taking a shower: A warm shower or bath can help you relax and relieve tension. They can also help cool the body, which promotes falling asleep.
  4. Create a comfortable atmosphere: Provide a dark and cool room for sleeping. Shade windows from light and turn off mobile devices to avoid disturbance from bright lights and sounds.
  5. Relaxation techniques: Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. They can help take away stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep.
  6. Avoidcaffeine: Avoid caffeine and other stimulating drinks after a hangover, as they can worsen insomnia.
  7. Proper posture: Find a comfortable sleeping position to avoid insomnia. This may include lying on your side or with your legs bent.
  8. Drink herbal teas: Herbal teas, such as melissa tea or lavender tea, can help you relax and fall asleep faster.
  9. Don't drink more alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol again, as it can disrupt normal sleep and cause wakefulness.
  10. Maintain a sleep schedule: Try to follow a regular sleep schedule so that your body can more easily adapt to the nights after a hangover.

If insomnia after a hangover persists for a long time or becomes a systematic problem, see your doctor. Insomnia may be a sign of more serious problems, and your doctor will be able to suggest appropriate treatment or counseling.

Why is there no sleep on a hangover?

Sonosatiety after drinking alcohol, aka "hangover insomnia," can be caused by several factors:

  1. Effects on the central nervous system: Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, which can cause sleep problems. Although alcohol may initially cause drowsiness, it can later lead to restless and shallow sleep.
  2. Switching to activity: After developing alcohol from the body, wakefulness or wakefulness may occur. This is because alcohol can affect sleep cycles and lead to more shallow and restless sleep.
  3. Increased thirst: A hangover is often accompanied by dehydration and this can cause thirst. Waking up because of thirst can interrupt normal sleep.
  4. Hangover symptoms: Symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and restlessness can also interfere with normal sleep and lead to insomnia.
  5. Dilated blood vessels: Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can cause headaches and insomnia.
  6. Psychological aspects: Hangovers can cause anxiety or depression, which can also affect the ability to sleep.

Moderate alcohol consumption and self-care while drinking is recommended to reduce the risk of hangover insomnia. Avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation is the best way to prevent hangovers and related sleep difficulties.

Sleeping pills after a hangover.

Before taking any medication, including sleep tablets, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you.

  1. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. It is available in the form of supplemental sleep and can help you fall asleep faster. However, it is not always effective after a hangover as other factors can affect sleep quality.
  2. Dosed sleeping pills (such as zolpidem or diazepam): These medications may be prescribed by your doctor for short-term use for insomnia. They can help you fall asleep, but they should be taken with caution because they can be addictive.
  3. Herbal teas and supplements: Some herbal teas and supplements such as valerian, passiflora or peppermint can have a calming effect and help you relax before bedtime.
  4. Hydration and nutrition: As mentioned above, dehydration and lack of nutrition can impair sleep. Drink water, eat light meals, and avoid overeating.
  5. Relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing and relaxation exercises can help you relax and fall asleep.

It is important to remember that treatment for insomnia after a hangover should be temporary. If you often have trouble sleeping after drinking alcohol, see your doctor for a more in-depth discussion and recommendations.

Melatonin after alcohol hangovers

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. It is not a standard treatment for hangovers, but some people may use it to improve sleep quality after drinking alcohol. It is important to know how to use it correctly and to consider its mechanism of action, dosage, contraindications and side effects.

The mechanism of melatonin's effect in hangovers is related to its ability to regulate circadian rhythms of sleep and wakefulness. After alcohol consumption, sleep can be disrupted, and melatonin can help restore normal sleep patterns. It also has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and cell damage associated with alcohol hangovers.

The dosage of melatonin can vary depending on individual needs, but it is generally recommended to take 1 to 5 mg 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It is important to start with the lowest dose and increase it only if necessary, as larger doses can cause drowsiness throughout the day.

Contraindications to the use of melatonin include:

  • Individual intolerance or allergic reactions to melatonin.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Some medical conditions and medications may interact with melatonin, so it is best to consult a doctor before using it.

Side effects of melatonin are usually rare and may include:

  • Drowsiness during the day, especially when too high doses are used.
  • Headache.
  • Stomach disorders.

It is important to remember that melatonin is not a one-size-fits-all hangover cure and its use should be limited to the purpose of restoring normal sleep, not as a treatment for hangover symptoms. If you have severe hangover symptoms, it is recommended that you contact a doctor or addiction specialist for expert help and advice on managing the condition.

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that is commonly used as a food supplement. It does not have a direct analgesic effect, and its effects on hangover headaches are not directly related to pain relief. However, glycine can have some positive effects on the nervous system, which can improve overall health and help manage some hangover symptoms.

Mechanism of Action: Glycine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of the nervous system. It may have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. It may possibly help reduce the stress and anxiety that sometimes accompanies hangovers.

Dosage: Glycine is often available in tablet or powder form. The recommended dosage may vary depending on the manufacturer and individual needs. It is generally recommended that one or more servings of glycine be stirred into water and consumed orally. Follow the directions on the package or your doctor's recommendations.

Contraindications and side effects: Glycine is considered safe and usually has no serious side effects with moderate use. However, some people may experience allergic reactions. There are no strict contraindications to its use, but as with any other supplement, it is important to follow dosage recommendations and not to exceed them.

It should be noted that glycine may have limited effects on hangover symptoms, and its effectiveness may be subjective and individualized. The best way to combat a hangover remains drinking alcohol in moderation, along with drinking water, eating nutritious food, and getting plenty of rest. If you have serious hangover symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor or health care professional.

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