Why Hangovers Aren’t About How Much You Drink — But How You Prepare

Jan 6, 2026 · By Vikram Ojha

You wake up with that familiar mix of fog, dryness, and regret.
The night before didn’t even feel excessive. A few drinks, good food, home at a decent hour.

So why does your body feel like it ran a marathon overnight?

For many social drinkers, hangovers feel unpredictable — sometimes manageable, sometimes brutal. But the truth is, they’re not random at all. They’re the result of a few very specific processes happening while you drink, not just after.

And once you understand that, preventing hangovers becomes far more practical — and far less miserable.