By the Medsmingle Team · Updated 13 November 2026
A hangover is your body recovering from alcohol: dehydration, poor sleep, irritated stomach lining and the effects of breaking alcohol down. There’s no proven cure. Avoiding alcohol is the most reliable prevention; drinking less can reduce risk, but some steps can make the next day easier.
Before and while drinking
- Eat a proper meal before you drink
- Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water
- Alcohol clearance varies between people; do not use a drinks-per-hour rule to judge whether you are safe to drive
- Darker drinks such as whiskey and red wine contain more congeners and may cause worse hangovers than clear drinks
The morning after: what helps
- Fluids: water, oral rehydration drinks or broth
- Bland food: toast, crackers, bananas or eggs to settle the stomach and raise blood sugar
- Sleep, if you can
- Pain relief: ibuprofen or aspirin can help a headache, but may irritate the stomach. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) after heavy drinking, because the combination can harm the liver.
Myths
- “Hair of the dog”: more alcohol only delays the hangover.
- Coffee cures it: it may make you feel more awake but does not sober you up or speed recovery.
- Greasy breakfast: food helps, but there’s nothing special about grease.
Do hangover supplements work?
Many products are sold to “prevent” hangovers, from vitamins to herbal blends such as Himalaya Party Smart. Research on hangover supplements is limited and mostly low quality, and none protects your liver or makes it safe to drink more. If you try one, don’t use it as a reason to drink beyond safe limits. See our guide on supporting your liver.
Signs of alcohol poisoning: call 911
- Confusion, or can’t be woken
- Vomiting while not fully awake
- Slow or irregular breathing, or seizures
- Pale, bluish or cold, clammy skin
- Low body temperature
Never leave someone to “sleep it off” if they show these signs. Stay with them and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions; place an unconscious person who is breathing on their side. Do not give them food, drink or a cold shower.
When to talk to a doctor
If you often have hangovers, drink to cope, or find it hard to cut down, talk to a doctor. A healthcare professional can help you find alcohol-treatment support.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a hangover last?
Usually up to 24 hours. It can last longer after heavy drinking.
Why do hangovers get worse with age?
Changes in body water, liver processing and sleep may make recovery slower as you get older.
Can I take Tylenol for a hangover?
It’s best avoided after heavy drinking, because alcohol and acetaminophen together can damage the liver. Ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause stomach irritation or bleeding. Ask a pharmacist before using a pain reliever, especially if you are dehydrated or have kidney disease, ulcers or take blood thinners.
More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
