It is definitely the time of year when many find themselves drinking more alcohol than they usually do. While most of us are familiar with and know what hangovers are, not everyone is aware of another alcohol related phenomenon - hangxiety.
Even if you are not aware of this term, if you drink alcohol there is a big chance that you will have experienced hangxiety. Hangxiety, also known as hangover anxiety, is a type of anxiety that occurs after consuming a lot of alcohol.
The key reason you can experience anxiety after drinking a lot of alcohol is because it changes the chemical levels in your brain:
With a lot of alcohol, your brain starts to block the glutamate neurotransmitter that’s been linked to anxiety, as well, which can feel good until your brain starts to rebalance its chemicals again. When it begins blocking GABA and releasing glutamate, you can go from feeling blissful to depressed. {source}
That feeling over uneasiness, of agitation and anxiousness after a big night out - that's your brain chemically readjusting to the alcohol you consumed. Thankfully it passes eventually like other hangover symptoms. If you are already feeling a little anxious or stressed at the moment reducing your alcohol intake can definitely help.
And of course, Relax is a perfect substitute for alcohol! Not only will it not give you hangxiety but it will actually help you feel relaxed and help you sleep better.
