One of the most common (and unpleasant) symptoms of a heavy night of drinking is hangover sweats. If you’ve ever woken up drenched the morning after, you’re not alone. Sweating after drinking is your body’s way of reacting to alcohol overload—and in some cases, it can be a warning sign of something more serious.
In this article, we’ll break down what hangover sweats are, why they happen, and what you can do about them.
What Are Hangover Sweats?
Hangover sweats—sometimes called “night sweats”—refer to excessive perspiration after drinking alcohol. They often appear the morning after a heavy night out, but they can also happen in people who are alcohol intolerant or dependent.
Like hangover chills, this reaction is part of your body’s struggle to process alcohol. The result: you may literally “sweat out” alcohol the next day.
Causes of Hangover Sweats
There are several possible reasons why alcohol can trigger heavy sweating:
1. Alcohol Withdrawal
For people who are dependent, suddenly stopping drinking can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including cold sweats, shakiness, and anxiety.
2. Effects on the Heart and Blood Vessels
Alcohol can increase heart rate and widen blood vessels, causing the body to overheat and sweat.
3. Alcohol Intolerance
If your body has trouble processing alcohol, you may sweat excessively—even after a small amount. Other symptoms may include flushing, nausea, or even lower back pain.
4. Night Perspiration
These sweats usually occur at night and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much you drank and your body’s tolerance.
Coping With Hangover Sweats
While there’s no instant cure, there are steps you can take to ease the discomfort:
- Stay hydrated – water helps your body recover faster.
- Wear loose clothing – to let your skin breathe.
- Control room temperature – keep your space cool and ventilated.
- Avoid caffeine and spicy foods – both can make sweating worse.
- Eat balanced meals – proper nutrition helps restore your body’s balance.
⚠️ If you notice chest pain, severe shakiness, or persistent symptoms alongside sweating, it may signal something more serious, such as heart disease. Seek medical attention immediately.
Can You Sweat Out a Hangover?
Some people try to “sweat it out” in a gym or sauna the next day. While exercise may give you a temporary boost, the truth is sweating doesn’t eliminate alcohol faster. Your liver does that job, not your sweat glands.
In fact, overexerting yourself while dehydrated can make you feel worse.
Why Does Hangover Sweat Smell Different?
You may notice that sweat after drinking smells stronger or even vinegary. That’s because alcohol is broken down into acetic acid, which your body can release through the skin, giving off a sour scent.
The Bottom Line
Hangover sweats are your body’s way of telling you it’s struggling with alcohol. They can be caused by heavy drinking, alcohol intolerance, or even withdrawal.
The best prevention? Drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet. If you’re worried about excessive sweating or your drinking habits, consider speaking with a doctor or contacting an alcohol treatment center for professional help.
