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Answers Book · The morning after

What are the symptoms of a hangover?

The 10-second answer

A hangover can bring tiredness, weakness, thirst, headache, aches, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound, and it is different for each person.

The simple answer

A hangover is a group of symptoms that can show up after drinking too much. You might feel very tired, weak, or thirsty. You might have a headache, sore muscles, an upset stomach, or stomach pain. Some people feel dizzy, like the room is spinning. Bright light and loud sounds can bother you. You might feel anxious, cranky, sweaty, or shaky.

Not everyone feels the same. Some people get a hangover after one drink. Some people who drink a lot don't get symptoms.

Some signs are not a hangover. If someone who has been drinking is confused, has a seizure, or can't be woken up, call 911.

Myth vs Fact

Myth

Everyone gets the same hangover, and only after a lot of drinks.

Fact

Hangovers vary from person to person. Some people feel symptoms after one drink, and some heavy drinkers feel none.

The science

  1. NIH / NIAAANIAAA describes a hangover as a set of symptoms that follow drinking too much. Typical symptoms include fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and increased blood pressure. NIAAA notes that hangovers vary from person to person.
  2. Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic's list includes extreme tiredness and weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, and dizziness or a sense of the room spinning. Mayo Clinic advises calling 911 if a person who has been drinking shows confusion or seizures, or can't be awakened.
  3. Cleveland ClinicCleveland Clinic includes headache, light and sound sensitivity, and shakiness. It also notes that some people get a hangover after one drink, while some heavy drinkers don't get symptoms.

Medical sources

How often people ask
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Keep reading

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Sources are linked above. If you're worried about yourself or someone else, contact a healthcare provider or call 911.
Last checked: October 26, 2026