Hangxiety, or "beer blues," is the uncomfortable mix of anxiety and the physical aftereffects of alcohol consumption that hits the morning after a night of drinking.
Alcohol affects the brain's neurotransmitters, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, according to Cleveland Clinic, which leads to increased anxiety when the alcohol wears off.
GABA is responsible for calming the nervous system. Alcohol mimics its effects but depletes GABA, leaving people more anxious once they stop drinking.
While GABA activity increases during drinking, glutamate, which boosts energy, is suppressed. Once alcohol leaves the body, the brain overproduces glutamate, increasing anxiety levels.
Alcohol temporarily boosts serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones). When these drop post-drinking, it contributes to feelings of anxiety and unease.
As a diuretic, alcohol leads to dehydration, causing exhaustion and dizziness, which worsen feelings of panic and anxiety.
Cocktails high in sugar can spike both blood sugar and blood alcohol, intensifying anxiety symptoms.
Red wine contains histamines and tyramine, both of which are known to trigger anxiety, adding to post-drinking discomfort.
To reduce the risk of hangxiety, stick to lower-alcohol drinks like beer, stay hydrated, and avoid sugary cocktails.
Meanwhile, recent research suggests to avoid alcohol altogether to live a better, longer and healthier life.