How long does a hangover last? Here's what you need to know.

Picture this: the alarm clock goes off. You pull open the curtains to the piercing sunshine. 

It’s the morning after your favorite team won in overtime. 

Or the morning after your best friend’s birthday party.

Or the morning after a big promotion. 

There’s no greater “wet blanket” on an otherwise joyous occasion than a hangover. 

Moments after feeling that pounding headache, dry mouth and nausea, you are likely pondering just how long you will have to endure this unfortunate situation. We go over how long you can expect a hangover to last and some things you can do to get back to feeling like your normal self. 

How long does a hangover last?

Symptoms of a hangover generally last about 24 hours, but some people feel better after a few hours while others may have symptoms that persist for more than a day. Hangover intensity and duration are individual to the person and how much alcohol was consumed. 

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How do you get over a hangover fast?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which is what leads to some of the symptoms of a hangover like dry mouth, fatigue and dizziness. When you drink alcohol, it interferes with the hormone (vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone) that helps regulate fluid retention, so you end up urinating more frequently, to the point where you may become dehydrated. 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to treat a hangover is to hydrate with water or an electrolyte drink. For best results, you will want to hydrate before you start drinking, while you’re drinking and afterwards. 

One strategy that some find beneficial is to alternate between an alcoholic beverage and water. This will help keep you hydrated and, since you would be drinking so much liquid, it may inadvertently keep you from drinking too much alcohol. 

Fastest way to cure dehydration:How to restore your body when you see these signs.

Will eating help a hangover?

One of the most common hangover myths is that you should eat greasy food after a night of drinking. Fries and burritos are two examples that come to mind. Greasy food will more than likely exacerbate any gastrointestinal symptoms you may be experiencing. You may want to opt for fresh, carbohydrate-dense foods like fruits. Drinking alcohol may decrease your blood sugar, so eating is vital for recovery, but you want foods that are going to be easy to digest. The Cleveland Clinic also recommends the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.) 

The good news is that a hangover is a temporary condition, and the best thing to do for it is to simply let it run its course. 

More:The BRAT diet used to be popular, but doctors no longer recommend it. Here's why.