When You're Hungover

You've already signed the pledge several times over. And as you continue to examine the enamel surface of your toilet for imperfections, you vow also to give half your earnings to charity and visit grandma more often... if only you can start to feel better right now!

Waking up with a hangover is a sign that you drank far too much last night and your body didn't like it at all. Here's what's happening...

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which makes you wee more. In fact, you lose far more water in your urine than you are taking in the drink itself. Dehydration causes the brain to shrink away from the skull slightly. This triggers pain sensors on the outside surface of your brain.

Electrolyte imbalance

Vital electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium are excreted from the body with the urine. These minerals help keep the heart beating and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias can occur after heavy drinking.

Tiredness

Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels as glucose is excreted in the urine. Along with the late night, this contributes to extensive yawning the following day.

Attack of the free radicals

Free radicals are harmful molecules formed in the liver as it struggles to break down ethanol. Usually, these are seen off by an anti-oxidant called glutathione but its reserves can run low after a drinking session.

The foolproof hangover cure
No, sorry there isn't one. The general advice is to drink plenty of water, possibly even a sports drink to rebalance those electrolytes and go back to bed.