Why a hung-over gets you in the mood

Do you know that feeling: you partied all night,  you’re hungover, and suddenly you are… in the mood. But how so? What makes a hang-over so surprisingly sexy? Because, don’t we want to know why, after a boozy night, we really want to… cuddle? (Or more).

What happens in your body when you’re hungover?

After a booze-filled night your body ends up in a state unlike your normal routine. Alcohol disturbs the balance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a major role in our mood, motivation, and yes – our libido too. When you drink alcohol, you initially get a dopamine boost, giving you that happy, confident feeling during the party. The day after, your body wants to return to its normal balance, and the spikes in dopamine give way to a dopamine shortage. Ironically, because of that fluctuation we are more inclined to look for that quick boost, which sex also gives, so we can feel good again.

Hormones and the need for recovery

While your body processes alcohol, your stress hormones also spike, and as counter reaction the body increases the relaxing substance oxytocin, also known as the `cuddle hormone.’ The idea of cuddling or intimate contact is suddenly much more appealing because your brain is encouraging you to ‘feel better again’ and reduce stress. So it’s no wonder, that you suddenly experience an intense longing for intimacy when you’re hungover.

Lowered inhibitions and increased stimuli

A hang-over has another unexpected effect: your inhibitions are often a little lower due to the alcohol residue and the recovering state of your brain. The result? You may be just a little more susceptible to touch, feelings of arousal and the idea of sex. Your energy level may not be ideal, but a strong stimulus can evoke a desire for physical intimacy, without giving it much thought.

Wanting more and thinking less

When you are brackish, you’re also tired, which reduces the natural considerations of the brain, making us act more from a sense of need. Your body quickly looks for refreshing rewards – and physical contact is an easy and nice way to get that boost. So a hang-over doesn’t only make you want more, but also helps to temporarily silence that little voice in your head that is usually more rational.

In short…

The next time you are hungover and suddenly feel an intense need to cuddle or more, you know why. The physical and mental aftermath of alcohol results in a cocktail of feelings and stimuli that fuel our need for intimate contact. And hey, if that hang-over makes for an extra dose of oxytocin and some good company, who’s complaining?