Does CBD Help with Hangovers?

Hangovers are the worst. We’ve all experienced them, and nobody enjoys the aftermath of a night of heavy consumption.

But what if there was a natural remedy that could help alleviate those dreaded hangover symptoms?

Enter CBD (cannabidiol), a compound extracted from the cannabis plant that has become increasingly popular for its potential health benefits.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of hangovers, how CBD may offer relief, tips on how to use it effectively, precautions to take, and alternative remedies to consider.

Key Takeaways

• Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, hydration levels, sleep quality, hangover anxiety and hangover depression.
• CBD may help manage hangover symptoms through its anti-swelling properties, headache reduction capabilities and impact on stress and sleep quality.
• Alternative remedies such as hydration, rest and nutrient dense foods provide natural relief for hangovers.

Understanding Hangovers and Their Symptoms

What is a Hangover?

A hangover is the unpleasant physical reaction that occurs after consuming too much alcohol, characterized by symptoms such as a pounding headache, fatigue, nausea and dehydration.

Additionally, some people may experience hangover anxiety or hangover depression, which can further impact their overall well-being.

Many people wake up alone with a hangover, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. This rings especially true on Sundays, when the Sunday Scaries set in.

While the severity of hangover symptoms can vary greatly between individuals, there are certain factors that can influence how bad a hangover can be.

Factors Influencing Hangover Severity

• The type of alcohol consumed, mixing alcoholic drinks, individual tolerance, and overall health can all impact the severity of a hangover.
• Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can worsen hangover symptoms, as it allows alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream.
• Genetics also play a role in how one’s body metabolizes alcohol, which can affect the severity of hangover symptoms.
• People who engage in binge drinking regularly may develop a tolerance to hangover symptoms, experiencing milder effects, while those with lower alcohol tolerance might suffer hangovers worse, with more severe hangover symptoms.

What Causes a Hangover?

A hangover is caused by several factors that occur as a result of alcohol consumption. Here are the eight main causes:

1. Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more frequently. This can lead to dehydration, causing symptoms like headache, low energy levels, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance

The increased urination can also result in the loss of essential electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This imbalance can lead to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and muscle weakness.

3. Alcohol Metabolism

When you drink, your body metabolizes alcohol into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which is then converted into acetic acid. Acetaldehyde can cause symptoms like dizziness, vomiting and sweating.

4. Excess Stomach Acid

The more alcohol you drink the more it irritates the stomach lining, prompting the release of excess stomach acid. This increased acid production can lead to feelings of nausea and discomfort.

Additionally, alcohol can weaken the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux or heartburn.

5. Inflammation

Alcohol can trigger an inflammatory response in your body. This can cause negative effects like loss of appetite, concentration problems, loss of optimal cognitive function and mood changes.

6. Sleep Disruption

Alcohol can disrupt your sleep pattern, preventing you from getting enough sleep. This can lead to fatigue, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating.

7. Congeners

These are toxic substances that are produced during alcohol fermentation, and they're found in higher amounts in dark liquors. Congeners can worsen hangover symptoms, and are believed to increase the frequency and intensity of hangovers.

8. Glucose Blocking

Consuming alcohol, especially without eating food, can interfere with the body's ability to release glucose, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels. This is called Hypoglycemia, which causes various symptoms including shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and an increased heart rate.

Common Hangover Symptoms

Hangovers can manifest in a variety of ways, but some common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Elevated heart rate
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Muscle aches and weakness
• Appetite stimulation
• Red eyes
• Alcohol poisoning
• Mood changes and other symptoms such as anxiety, depression and irritability.

How Long do Hangovers Last?

According to a study conducted by the Alcohol Hangover Research Group, hangover symptoms peak around 12 hours after heavy drinking, but can last for up to 24 hours or longer.

However, the severity and duration of hangovers can greatly vary from person to person and depend on multiple factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the blood alochol level, personal health, hydration status, and quality of sleep from the previous night.

How CBD Might Help with Hangovers: The Science

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant (both the marijuana and hemp plant) that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis, or balance.

With its potential stress-relieving, anti-swelling, and headache-reducing properties, CBD may offer relief from some of the most common hangover symptoms.

CBD's Impact on Hangover Anxiety

Taking CBD can lead to positive effects such as decreasing your stress, helping you get out of your own head and eliminating negative thoughts associated with alcohol intake.

As discussed earlier, what makes a hangover worse is the isolation following a night of high social interaction. CBD can help you decompress and stay in the present, so negative self-talk doesn't overcome you.

Ongoing research from Neurotherapeutics suggests that CBD may have potential anxiety-reducing effects.

The research outlines how CBD may prevent the long-term adverse effects of stress, and overall it states that "this review emphasizes the potential value and need for further study of CBD in the treatment of anxiety disorders."

CBD's Impact on Improving Sleep

Sleep disruption is a common symptom of hangovers, and it significantly impacts the body's ability to recover.

CBD has potential benefits for sleep due to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

CBD may interact with receptors in the brain that govern the body’s daily sleep/wake cycles.

According to this study, at the first monthly assessment after the start of CBD treatment 66.7% of all patients experienced an improvement in sleep. On average, sleep improved for most patients, and these improvements were sustained over time.

When CBD is consumed, it may promote relaxation and decrease mind chatter, which can lead to better sleep quality.

Additionally, CBD may help regulate cortisol levels and promote a more restful night's sleep.

CBD's Anti-Swelling Properties

CBD’s anti-swelling properties can help reduce headaches and other discomforts associated with hangovers.

CBD has been recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. A study published in the European Journal of Pain demonstrated how CBD applied to the skin could help lower body aches and swelling.

Another study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine supported these findings and showed that CBD may reduce inflammation in some mice and rats.

These studies suggest CBD could be a natural and effective treatment for inflammation, which is a common symptom of hangovers.

Although the exact mechanism behind CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties is still being studied, it is believed that CBD may reduce swelling through cannabinoid receptors interacting with the human endocannabinoid system and other receptors involved in the immune response.

This interaction may help alleviate swelling in the body, which in turn, could relieve hangover-related discomforts.

CBD's Role in Nausea Reduction

CBD plays a significant role in reducing the discomforts in the aftermath of a night of excessive drinking.

According to a review study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD has potential anti-nausea and antiemetic (vomiting) effects.

The researchers found that CBD's interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain is believed to be responsible for anti-queasy effects.

This suggests that taking CBD could be a potential therapeutic option to alleviate hangover-induced dizziness. Although, further studies and regulation from the FDA are needed to confirm if CBD helps in nausea reduction.

FDA Disclaimer: It's important to note that while these potential benefits of CBD are promising, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for the treatment or prevention of hangovers or any associated symptoms. Additionally, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements, including CBD, so the quality and efficacy of CBD products can vary widely. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement.

How to Use CBD for a Hangover Cure

When using CBD for hangover relief, considering the correct dosage, timing, and product type is necessary.

It’s recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed until the desired relief is achieved. This is called the "Slow and low" method.

When it comes to product types, ingestible forms of CBD, such as gummies or infused beverages, are typically the most effective for hangover relief.

Dosage Recommendations

Dosage recommendations for CBD vary based on individual factors, such as:

• Body weight
• Tolerance level
• Desired effects of CBD
• Mode of administration

It’s important to start with a low dose, such as 10 to 15 milligrams, and observe the effects.

After a few days, you can gradually increase the dosage until the desired relief is achieved without any side effects.

Always pay attention to your body and adjust the dosage accordingly. Taking CBD oil over a longer period of time will also help compound the effects.

Timing Considerations

As for the timing of CBD intake for hangover relief, it is advisable to wait until most or all of the alcohol has been eliminated from your system.

Generally, it is acceptable to take it once the symptoms of your hangover become evident.

However, caution should be exercised when mixing CBD and alcohol, as it may increase the effects of both substances.

Recommended CBD Products for Hangovers

For those seeking relief from hangover symptoms, CBD gummies, CBD drinks, CBD oil and topicals containing CBD are recommended, with some products containing additional stress-relieving ingredients.

Highly-rated CBD edibles for hangover relief include:

• Sunday Scaries
• Holmes Organics
• ResolveCBD

Highly-rated CBD topicals for hangover relief include:

• Charlotte's Web
• Cornbread CBD Lotion Menthol Formula
• Sweet Flower

CBD users have been shifting from other brands to Sunday Scaries searching for a quality CBD product that is specifically formulated for stress relief and sleep aid, versus the other brands who claim their products are a cure-all for any medical condition under the sun.

According to an internal study performed by Sunday Scaries experts with the intention of highlighting hangovers and how it affects their customers' Sundays, 59.1% said they knew they had the Sunday Scaries when "My mind races with negative thoughts."

CBD products like Sunday Scaries are designed specifically for the internal darkness that follows a heavy hangover and are the ideal choice when choosing CBD for hangover relief given the anti-stress and pro-sleep attributes.

Always ensure that the brand you choose offers third party lab tests which shows certificates of analysis for the cannabinoid profile and checks for pesticides, heavy metals, microbials & residual solvents

Precautions and Potential Side Effects

Though CBD is generally regarded as well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile as showcased in this study, caution is advised when using it to relieve hangovers.

When you mix CBD with alcohol it may amplify both of their effects, so use caution and moderation when combining the two.

Be aware of potential side effects, such as drowsiness or dry mouth, which could worsen hangover symptoms for some individuals.

If you have concerns or regularly consume alcohol, consult your doctor before using CBD for hangovers.

Alcohol Consumption while Mixing CBD

Mixing CBD and alcohol may amplify their effects. Combining the two substances may lead to increased fatigue, sedation, and impaired ability to coordinate and inhibit actions.

It is recommended to use caution and moderation when combining CBD and alcohol, and to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

CBD Side Effects

Some of the potential side effects of CBD product usage include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Changes in appetite
• Interactions with other medications

These side effects could worsen symptoms for some individuals, so it’s important to be aware of them and monitor your body’s response to CBD.

Although, these side effects are most commonly associated with those who take more than the specific dosing suggestions.

If you experience negative reactions to CBD, it is advisable to forego its use and focus on recovering with adequate rest and hydration.

Consult Your Doctor

Especially if you have liver issues or are a regular alcohol consumer, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before using CBD for hangovers.

Your doctor can provide tailored advice based on your individual health status and medications, evaluate any potential interactions between CBD and other substances you may be taking, and ascertain if CBD is safe for you to use.

They can also help you understand the correct dosage and usage of CBD for hangover relief.

Alternative Hangover Remedies

While CBD may offer potential relief for hangovers, there are also alternative remedies to consider in order to alleviate the aftereffects of drinking.

Staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and consuming nutrient-dense foods can help the body recover from a hangover and serve as a natural hangover cure.

Hydration and Electrolytes

Maintaining hydration is key in hangover relief, given that dehydration is a frequent hangover symptom.

Drinking water before bed and staying hydrated throughout the day can assist in the prevention of a hangover.

A great hack is to drink water (a 16 oz. glass) after every alcoholic beverage. This ensures that when you drink alcohol you are also consuming an equal amount of water, and it enables you to continue to hold a beverage in your hand in social settings which can be comfortable for some people.

Additionally, effective drinks for rehydration include coconut water, aloe vera water, diluted fruit juices or syrups, sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade, and electrolyte solutions.

Rest and Sleep

Getting sufficient rest and sleep is another key factor in hangover recovery.

Alcohol consumption can interfere with REM sleep, which is a vital stage of sleep for rest and recovery.

To create a sleep-conducive environment ensure you are in a dark and cool room, avoid electronics at least an hour before bedtime and try to get plenty of sunlight and exercise during the day.

If you need some extra help, check out this meditation guide for sleep and anxiety.

Nutrient-Dense Foods

Consuming nutrient-dense foods can help replenish the body and aid in hangover recovery.

Examples of such foods include bananas, kale, mangos, grapes, oranges, and pears, as well as chicken, salmon, eggs, yogurt, lentils, and oatmeal.

These foods provide hydration, restore lost nutrients, bolster liver function, and normalize blood sugar levels.

Click here for a full list of the best food for hangover anxiety, which includes the top 5 healthiest foods for a hangover and the top 5 comfort foods for a hangover.

Summary

In conclusion, CBD may offer potential relief for hangover symptoms through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

By reducing swelling, easing dizziness, and improving stress and sleep quality, CBD can help alleviate some of the discomforts associated with hangovers.

However, it’s important to use caution when mixing CBD and alcohol, be aware of potential side effects and consult your doctor if you have concerns or regularly consume alcohol.

Alternative hangover remedies, such as staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and consuming nutrient-dense foods, can also help the body recover from a hangover.

Ultimately, the key to hangover relief is listening to your body and finding the best solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CBD for hangovers?

Sunday Scaries is often touted as the best CBD for hangovers. Sunday Scaries offers high-quality, full-spectrum CBD products that are third-party tested for purity and potency.

The formulations are specifically designed to alleviate typical hangover symptoms such as stress and poor sleep, and can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.

Can you take CBD after drinking?

Mixing CBD and alcohol is generally safe, as long as levels of both are kept low. However, it can lead to intensified effects like increased sleepiness and drowsiness, so care should be taken when combining the two.

What is the most effective cure for hangover?

To cure a hangover quickly, it is important to stay hydrated with water or an electrolyte solution like Gatorade or Pedialyte, eat a snack and take an over-the-counter CBD product.