‘That nagging feeling of dread’: Is ‘hang-xiety’ a real thing?

• Hangxiety—anxiety experienced during hangovers—appears to be a genuine phenomenon with physiological underpinnings, including alcohol's effects on neurotransmitters and sleep disruption, rather than purely psychological
• Alcohol suppresses REM sleep and disrupts circadian rhythms; poor sleep quality during hangovers can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and cognitive function the following day
• Clinicians should routinely inquire about alcohol use and associated anxiety when assessing patients with hangover-related distress, as this may represent an identifiable trigger for anxiety symptoms requiring appropriate counselling and preventive advice

For some, a hangover can start an anxious spiral. We spoke to experts about the reasons why.

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