A throbbing head. A feeling of nausea. A dry mouth. These are just a few results of a night on the town. However, drinkers don’t always have to deal with the repercussions. Follow these tips and enjoy a hangover-free morning after.

Symptoms and their causes

Headaches: They come from the body’s adjustment to a rapidly dropping blood alcohol concentration and dehydration. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels that surround the brain, which can cause headaches.

Vomiting: The body’s way of getting rid of toxins. Vomiting can also cause dehydration.

Dehydration: Signs of dehydration are dizziness, lightheadedness, thirst and weakness. It is partially to blame for headaches and nausea.

Fatigue: Alcohol disrupts sleep. It can work as a sedative and help aid sleep, but it affects the quality of sleep. Alcohol consumption causes a shorter REM (rapid eye movement) cycle, which is the dream phase of sleep. Elimination of this stage results in incomplete sleep. Even after eight or 10 hours, an individual can be fatigued and groggy.

Prevention

Eat before drinking. Alcohol is absorbed more slowly when there is food in the stomach.

Have a nonalcoholic drink between each alcoholic drink. It will keep the body hydrated and help maintain a low blood alcohol concentration.

Pace yourself. The body can metabolize alcohol at the rate of approximately one drink per hour. Staying within this range will assist in maintaining a low blood alcohol concentration.

Before going to bed, drink water or another nonalcoholic drink, but avoid caffeine, which can also contribute to hangover symptoms.

Take two aspirin before going to bed and two more after waking if a headache is still present.

Source: Ray Leone, chief university physician at DeWeese Health Center, WebMD.com

"I just try to drink a lot of water and eat bread."
Nicole Wonderchek |
Senior molecular biology major

"I just don’t eat until it wears off."
Adonia Steele |
Sophomore childhood education major

"I always try to eat fruit ... I think it helps."
James Fournier |
Junior integrated science major

"I stay away from wines because wine gives me a hangover, (and I take) two Aleve."
Vanessa Kelly |
Junior childhood education major

— Allison Bray