Vivian Marlowe
Drinking too much alcohol can cause a person to experience dizziness, or the spins, which is the sensation that the room is spinning. This occurs when the alcohol in the blood changes the density of the fluid in the three fluid-filled semicircular canals of the inner ear, which helps the brain keep the body balanced. The distortion of the cupula, a gel-like structure in the canals, causes the stereocilia or tiny hairs in the canals to send signals to the brain that the body is rotating, resulting in the illusion of motion. While the only way to truly get rid of the spins is to wait for the body to filter out the alcohol, there are several remedies that can help alleviate the spinning sensation, such as focusing on slow, deep breathing, drinking water, and getting extra sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Alcohol thins the blood, creating a difference in density between the fluid in the canals and the cupula. |
| Effect | The distortion of the cupula's shape sends false signals to the brain, making it seem like the room is spinning. |
| Prevention | Monitor alcohol intake, eat before drinking, pace yourself, and avoid mixing alcohol types |
| Remedies | Drink water, take deep breaths, focus on a fixed object, get extra sleep, take OTC painkillers, induce vomiting, provide visual stimulation |
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What You'll Learn
Lie down with one foot on the ground
If you're experiencing "the spins", or dizziness after drinking, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the sensation. While the only true cure is to wait for your body to filter out the alcohol, there are ways to help the spinning feel less severe.
Lying down with one foot on the ground is a popular self-treatment for people whose dizziness is exacerbated by lying down with their eyes closed. This technique may help you feel more grounded and lessen the spinning sensation. To do this, lie on your back at the edge of your bed and move one leg so that your foot is resting fully on the floor. While there is no direct scientific evidence to support this treatment, it is consistent with studies showing that postural balance responses to high and low-speed tilts are driven by force and velocity receptors in the muscles with relatively little input from the vestibular system.
In addition to this technique, there are other ways to help alleviate the spinning sensation. Focusing on slow, deep breathing can help minimise the spins and lower your heart rate. Drinking water can also help your body filter out toxins and rehydrate you, as alcohol can lead to dehydration.
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Drink water and/or electrolytes
The "spins" is a common sensation for someone who has drunk past their limit or participated in binge drinking. It can, however, occur for those with a fairly low blood alcohol level. The spinning sensation is caused by an odd effect that alcohol has on the ears, specifically on three tiny, fluid-filled structures called semicircular canals. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it thins the blood, creating a difference in density between the fluid in the canals and the cupula. The shape of the cupula is distorted in ways not associated with the person's movement, orientation in space, or balance. The hair-like cells called stereocilia then tell the brain that the body is moving much more than it actually is, resulting in the spinning sensation.
Drinking water and/or electrolytes is one of the ways to help alleviate the spinning sensation. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can worsen the spinning sensation. Drinking a big glass of water can help replenish any fluids lost while drinking. Sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade, which contain electrolytes, can also help with rehydration. It is important to note that while these measures can help alleviate the spinning sensation, the only way to truly get rid of the spins is for the body to filter out all the alcohol in the system.
In addition to drinking water and/or electrolytes, there are other ways to help manage the spinning sensation. One suggestion is to lie down on the bed, on the back, with one leg resting on the floor. This can help provide a sense of grounding and may stop the spinning sensation after a while. Another option is to focus on a fixed object in the room, such as a light fixture or a picture frame, to provide a mental "grounding" point and lessen the spinning feeling. Deep breathing can also help minimize the spinning sensation and lower the heart rate. Additionally, getting extra sleep can help, as it allows the liver to process and remove excess alcohol from the system. Finally, taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with any headaches or discomfort associated with the spinning sensation.
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Focus on deep breathing
If you're experiencing "the spins" after drinking alcohol, focusing on deep breathing can help minimise the sensation. Here are some tips to help you:
Lie Down and Breathe
Lie down on your bed with your foot on the floor. This can help you feel more grounded and reduce the spinning sensation. While lying down, take slow, deep breaths. Focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. You can also try meditating to help you relax and lower your heart rate. If closing your eyes makes the spinning worse, try keeping them open and focusing on a fixed object, such as a light fixture or a book.
Use Scents and Sensory Aids
Try incorporating scents, such as lavender oil, to enhance the effects of deep breathing. You can drape a cool cloth with a few drops of lavender oil over your forehead and breathe in the calming aroma. Alternatively, you can use a scented candle or essential oil diffuser with relaxing fragrances.
Combine Deep Breathing with Other Techniques
Deep breathing can be even more effective when combined with other grounding techniques. Keep one hand and one foot on a hard, flat surface while practising slow, deep breaths. You can also try watching a calming TV show or movie to distract your mind and make the spinning sensation less disorienting.
Remember, while these techniques can help ease the spinning sensation, the best way to fully get rid of "the spins" is to allow your body to process and filter out the alcohol. Drinking water and getting enough sleep will aid your body in this process.
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Take painkillers for a hangover
The spinning sensation after drinking alcohol is known as "the spins". It is caused by alcohol thinning the blood, which creates a difference in density between the fluid in the canals and the cupula. The hair-like cells, stereocilia, then tell the brain that the body is moving more than it actually is, resulting in a spinning sensation.
While the only way to truly get rid of the spins is to wait for your body to filter out the alcohol, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the spinning sensation:
- Focus on slow, deep breathing to help you relax and minimise the spins.
- Drink water to help your body filter out toxins and combat dehydration, which can make your symptoms worse.
- Focus on a fixed object in the room to give yourself a mental "grounding" point.
- Try to get some extra sleep to let your liver process and remove excess alcohol from your system.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). These can help with any headaches or discomfort. Avoid taking aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol), as these can upset your stomach and have toxic effects on the liver when combined with alcohol.
To avoid getting the spins in the first place, it is recommended to monitor your alcohol intake and eat before drinking. Eating foods such as crackers and cheese can help slow the emptying of your stomach.
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Avoid mixing alcohol types
If you've ever experienced dizziness or a spinning sensation after drinking alcohol, you've experienced "the spins". This occurs when alcohol disturbs the vestibular system, causing an “upset" in the brain where it thinks the body is rotating, leading to disorientation. While the only true cure for the spins is to wait for your body to filter out the alcohol, there are several strategies you can employ to minimise the spinning sensation. These include focusing on slow, deep breathing, drinking water to stay hydrated, getting extra sleep, and taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Now, let's discuss why you should avoid mixing alcohol types. Firstly, it's important to note that there is no scientific evidence that directly links mixing different types of alcohol to increased intoxication or sickness. The main factor influencing these states is the total quantity of alcohol consumed, regardless of the type or order of drinks. However, mixing alcohol types can lead to impaired judgment and an underestimation of alcohol consumption, especially when transitioning from weaker to stronger drinks. This is because different types of alcohol have varying alcohol contents and effects, and mixing them can make it difficult to monitor your intake accurately.
For example, starting with carbonated drinks like beer or sparkling wine can irritate the stomach lining, increasing alcohol absorption. Transitioning from these drinks to liquor may lead to faster intoxication. Additionally, mixing drinks can make it challenging to identify your tolerance levels for different alcohols and their unique effects on your body. By sticking to one type of alcohol, you can develop a better understanding of your limits and adjust your habits accordingly.
Furthermore, mixing alcohol types can increase the likelihood of a harsh hangover. This is because you may lose track of your total alcohol consumption when combining drinks, leading to overconsumption and a heavier hangover the next day. While there is no chemical reason for this, it may be due to psychological factors and individual differences in how people process and respond to various alcohols.
In conclusion, while mixing alcohol types may not be inherently dangerous, it can lead to unintended consequences. To avoid the spins and other negative side effects of alcohol, it's advisable to monitor your alcohol intake, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the unique effects of different alcoholic beverages on your body.
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Frequently asked questions
When you drink alcohol, it thins your blood. This creates a difference in density between the fluid in the canals and the cupula in your inner ear. The shape of the cupula is distorted, and the stereocilia send a signal to your brain that tells it you’re rotating when you’re not. This creates the illusion that the room is spinning.
The only way to truly stop the spinning is to wait for your body to filter out the alcohol from your system. However, there are some things you can do to lessen the spinning sensation. Drinking water can help your body filter out toxins, and rehydrate you after drinking dehydrating alcohol. You can also try focusing on slow, deep breathing, and on a fixed object in the room to give yourself a mental "grounding" point.
To prevent the spins, you should monitor your alcohol intake and pace yourself. You can also eat before drinking, especially foods with high-fat proteins, which slow down your body’s absorption of alcohol.
