Hangovers are the price we pay for overindulging and partying too hard. There are thousands of hangover myths and "cures" out there, but if you’ve drunk more than you can handle the night before, nothing will really save you from the morning after. All we do know is that wine hangovers are the worst—especially red wine.
We’ve all woken up, Googled the benefits of not drinking alcohol, and uttered that famous phrase: “I’m too old for this.” But actually, that may not be the case at all. A new study from scientists at Utrecht University in the Netherlands has revealed that the severity of hangovers lessen with age.
Scientists surveyed people aged 18-94 on their alcohol consumption. The results showed that the "severity" and "frequency" of hangovers actually decreased with the older participants. This suggests that alcohol tolerance could improve with age.
The scientists said: “Our study confirms that both subjective intoxication and hangover frequency decline with age.” Though the results showed that young people drink more, the results still determined that the number of hangovers and their severity diminished with age.
A reason for this is pain sensitivity—the scientists said that our sensitivity to pain decreases with age, which could help numb the pounding headache, nausea, and aches that come with a hangover.
Sadly, though they might improve, hangovers will in no way stop altogether as you get older. They’ll always be the consequence of one glass too many. But there are a few things you can do to help.
You should never drink on an empty stomach, and make sure to eat carb-filled and fatty foods before you drink. Also, chasing a drink with a glass of water will help to keep you hydrated during your night out.
Sugary foods will also help the next day, as will drinking a pint of water before you go to bed! Remember, "hair of the dog" is not a thing, so don’t do it—it won’t help anyway.
