The phenomenon of the two-day “monkey” really exists, which was confirmed by experts from the Netherlands. While young people can handle the effects of an evening of drinking in a single night, people over 30 may experience symptoms for several days. These usually include stomach problems, headaches, blurred vision or anxiety. The longest hangover on record lasted more than a month.
“Its severity has little to do with alcohol tolerance, rather it depends on lifestyle, such as exercise and sleep,” says Professor Joris Vester from Utrecht University. According to him, it exists 47 different hangover symptoms, including apathy, sensitivity to light and noise, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
With age, the immune system becomes less effective and people are more prone to inflammation, which may explain the stronger and longer “monkey”. The liver can process a maximum of one alcoholic drink per hour; anything over that limit increases blood alcohol levels and puts a strain on the organs. According to Professor Ann-Katherine Stock of the Technical University of Dresden, people with pre-existing inflammatory problems may suffer from a stronger monkey because the liver can take several weeks to recover.
“Smaller amounts of alcohol can cause a strong inflammatory response that lasts longer and makes the hangover worse,” adds Stock. To prevent a hangover, it is important to drink enough clean water (two to three liters) every day, exercise regularly, sleep well and reduce inflammation caused by stress, which can reduce the negative effects of a hangover.
