Recent studies suggest that hangovers tend to worsen starting around the age of 34, with effects potentially lasting up to two days.
This increase in hangover severity is attributed to several factors:
Metabolic Changes: As we age, our liver’s efficiency in processing alcohol decreases, leading to a slower breakdown of acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism—which contributes to hangover symptoms.
Body Composition: An increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass with age affect alcohol distribution, resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations and more pronounced hangovers.
Hydration Levels: Older adults generally have a lower percentage of body water, which means alcohol remains more concentrated in the system, enhancing dehydration and hangover severity.
Medication Interactions: The use of prescription medications becomes more common with age, and these can interact with alcohol, altering its metabolism and intensifying hangover effects.
Interestingly, some research indicates that our ability to handle hangovers begins to decline even earlier, around the age of 29, due to a combination of behavioral and biological factors.
