Study uncovers exactly when you start getting hangovers from hell

They say that hangovers get worse with age.

Whilst we were once able to drink far too much with barely any consequences, now we’re faced with sore heads, aching limbs and a looming feeling of regret. 

But it turns out there is a point where our hangovers get particularly bad (and if you’re yet to hit your mid 30s, we regret to inform you it’s still to come…)

Yep, you might think you’ve already had the hangover from hell, but a new study has revealed that on average, 34 is the age that things get really bleak.

PSA: Your hangovers could still get worse (Credit: Alamy)

According to survey of 2,000 people aged from 18 to 65, conducted by Thortful, the following year, aged 35, sees hangovers last an average of two days.

A whole weekend! Are any booze fuelled Friday night plans actually worth that?!

Respondents said it takes another two years after that – so, aged 37 – before people know their limits.

At 38, people finally claim their hangovers get better, although that’s primarily because a lot of people go out less than they used to, or have chosen to start a family.

The sore heads continue until you’re almost 40 (Credit: Alamy)

And less going out means that they don’t need to drink as much – in fact, 39 year olds claim they start to feel tipsy after two drinks.

Naturally, the study isn’t particularly scientific, but Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, confirmed there is some basis to the claims hangovers get worse with age.

She said to Metro: “Little research has been conducted on the severity of hangovers with ageing, however, hangovers are due to the breakdown of alcohol and the persisting presence of its toxic metabolite – acetaldehyde – in the body.

“Hangovers are likely to worsen with age because the activity of the key enzymes involved in alcohol breakdown becomes less efficient with age.

The wine aisle could leave you recovering from two days in your late 30s (Credit: Alamy)

“Also, older people have less muscle and more fat, plus the distribution of water within the body alters as we age. The end result is higher levels of blood alcohol which take longer to metabolise.”

Next time your millennial mate tells you their hangovers have peaked, remind them of this cheerful fact: it doesn’t get better until you’re almost 40.