What is 'hang-xiety'? Experts weigh in on post-drinking anxiety

For some people, a hangover is not just a physical ordeal of headaches and nausea — it can also bring on a wave of anxiety sometimes described as "hang-xiety."

Experts say the phenomenon describes the feeling of dread or unease that can follow a night of drinking, often compounding the physical symptoms of a hangover with psychological distress.

Researchers and clinicians who study the effects of alcohol note that the experience can vary significantly from person to person, with some people more prone to post-drinking anxiety than others.

While the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied, experts point to alcohol's effects on the brain and nervous system as a likely contributing factor, alongside disrupted sleep and dehydration that often accompany a hangover.

For people who experience hang-xiety regularly, experts generally recommend moderating alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest. Those for whom anxiety becomes a persistent or severe issue are encouraged to speak with a healthcare professional.

The topic has drawn growing attention as more people discuss the psychological, as well as physical, toll that alcohol can take the day after drinking.