How Long Does a Hangover Really Last? (And How to Recover Faster)
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Feel like your hangover is lasting forever? Here’s what science says about hangover duration—and how to speed it up.
⏳ Still Hungover? You’re Not Alone.
If you’ve found yourself Googling “how long does a hangover last”, “is it normal to feel hungover all day”, or even “can a hangover last two days?”—you’re in good company.
The truth is: hangovers can last anywhere from a few hours to over 24 hours, depending on what (and how much) you drank, how your body processes alcohol, and how you treat your recovery.
Let’s break down how long you can expect to feel rough—and what actually helps you bounce back faster.
🍺 What Determines How Long a Hangover Lasts?
1. Amount of Alcohol Consumed
No surprise here: the more you drink, the more toxins your body has to clear—and the longer it takes.
2. Type of Alcohol
Drinks high in congeners (byproducts of fermentation) like red wine, whiskey, and dark spirits tend to cause longer, nastier hangovers.
3. Hydration & Nutrition
If you were dehydrated or didn’t eat before drinking, your body struggles more—meaning your hangover may last longer.
4. Sleep Quality
Alcohol disrupts REM sleep. Even if you slept for 8 hours, it probably wasn’t restful—which affects how long you feel groggy.
5. Your Metabolism & Age
Your body’s ability to metabolise alcohol slows with age. That “2-day hangover” at 30+? Totally real.
🧪 What’s Actually Happening in a Hangover
During and after drinking, your body is:
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Dehydrated
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Low on electrolytes
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Deficient in vitamins (especially B and C)
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Dealing with acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol
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Inflamed and oxidatively stressed
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Often in “hangxiety” mode due to cortisol spikes
So it’s not just one thing—it’s a biological storm that takes time to clear up. That’s why hangovers can linger for a full day—or more.
⏱️ How Long Does a Hangover Last?
| Severity | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| Mild (1–2 drinks over several hours) | 4–6 hours |
| Moderate (4–5 drinks) | 8–12 hours |
| Heavy (6+ drinks or binge night) | 12–24+ hours |
| 2-day hangover (real!) | 24–48 hours |
⚠️ If you still feel unwell after 48 hours, it might be something more serious—consult your GP.
🧬 How to Speed Up Hangover Recovery
Here’s how to cut recovery time dramatically:
✅ Hydrate Smart
Water helps, but electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) work faster. Your cells need them to function properly and detox.
✅ Replenish Nutrients
Alcohol strips you of B vitamins and Vitamin C—both essential for energy, brain function, and liver health.
✅ Support Detox
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) helps boost glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. It speeds up the breakdown of acetaldehyde (the real hangover villain).
✅ Calm Your Nervous System
Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol and “hangxiety” symptoms like racing thoughts and restlessness.
🍬 Why People Are Switching to Hangover Pals in 2025
Instead of juggling five different supplements, people are turning to Hangover Pals gummies—the UK’s favourite hangover recovery solution.
Each gummy contains:
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💧 Electrolytes
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💊 B Vitamins + Vitamin C
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🌿 NAC for detox
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🌱 Ashwagandha for stress relief
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✅ Vegan-friendly & made in the UK
⭐ “Felt like a new human 2 hours after taking these. They work fast.” – Real Customer
💡 TL;DR: Hangovers Last Hours—But Recovery Can Be Faster
Mild hangovers = 4–6 hours. Heavy ones = 12–24 hours or longer.
Want to speed that up? Hydrate, restore nutrients, support your liver, and rest. Or better yet—grab a pack of Hangover Pals and let the gummies do the hard work.