The common experience of feeling uniquely drained after wine prompts the question of whether this beverage causes more tiredness than other types of alcohol. While all alcoholic drinks share a fundamental mechanism that leads to drowsiness, wine contains additional organic compounds that can intensify the feeling of fatigue. Investigating these unique components helps explain why wine might feel different from spirits or beer.
The General Sedative Effect of Ethanol
All alcoholic beverages, including wine, contain ethanol, which acts primarily as a central nervous system depressant. Ethanol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity and produces a calming, relaxing effect. This immediate slowing of the nervous system causes the initial feelings of drowsiness or relaxation after drinking.
Despite this initial sedative effect, alcohol significantly disrupts the quality of sleep. As the body metabolizes ethanol later in the night, sleep architecture changes, leading to the suppression of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This rebound effect often causes fragmented sleep, early morning awakenings, and a reduction in deep, restorative rest. The resulting unrefreshing sleep is the main reason for next-day fatigue, regardless of the type of alcohol consumed.
Wine’s Unique Sleep-Disrupting Compounds
Wine contains several compounds beyond ethanol that contribute to feelings of fatigue. A group of fermentation byproducts called congeners, which includes substances like methanol and acetaldehyde, are present in wine, especially darker varieties. The liver must break down these congeners alongside ethanol, a process that competes for metabolic resources. This competition can potentially extend the presence of toxic byproducts in the body, leading to a more severe sense of feeling rundown the next day.
Another component found in wine is histamine, a compound that plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. In individuals sensitive to histamine, consuming histamine-rich fermented products like wine can trigger inflammatory responses, headaches, and sleep disturbances. These effects often manifest as exhaustion or poor sleep quality. Furthermore, some wines, particularly sweeter varieties, contain residual sugars. A significant intake of sugar causes a rapid spike in blood glucose followed by a subsequent “crash,” which can leave a person feeling foggy-headed and amplify the fatigue induced by the alcohol.
Is Red Wine Worse Than White Wine?
The perception that red wine is more fatiguing is linked to the concentration of specific compounds. Red wine generally contains significantly higher levels of congeners than white wine due to the production process. Red wines ferment with the grape skins for an extended period, which introduces more congeners that can worsen hangover symptoms, including tiredness.
The difference in production also affects the histamine content. Red wine typically has between 20 to 200 percent more histamine than white wine. Histamines are concentrated in the grape skins, and the longer skin contact during red wine fermentation leads to higher levels, which can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Additionally, red wines are richer in tannins, compounds extracted from the grape skins and seeds, which may also contribute to headache and fatigue.
Tips for Reducing Next-Day Fatigue
To mitigate alcohol-related fatigue, focusing on proper timing and hydration is important. The body metabolizes alcohol at a relatively fixed rate, so stopping consumption several hours before bedtime allows more time for ethanol to clear from the system, reducing the sleep-disrupting rebound effect. Alternating each glass of wine with a glass of water helps counteract dehydration, which is a major contributor to hangover symptoms and fatigue.
Consuming food alongside wine can slow the absorption of alcohol, helping to keep blood alcohol levels steadier and lower. Choosing dry wines over sweeter options helps prevent the dramatic blood sugar spikes and crashes that contribute to exhaustion. For those who suspect a sensitivity, opting for clear spirits or low-congener white wines instead of full-bodied reds may lessen the intensity of next-day fatigue.