Brain fog feels like it takes hours to complete a 10-minute task or that you’re struggling to listen and comprehend what is being said in a meeting. Or, you constantly second-guess yourself about locking the door or turning off the stove because you truly can’t remember if you did. That being said, brain fog is not the result of one thing, and the best way to figure out why you are experiencing your brain fog is to consult with your doctor, Torres said.
We’ve all made the connection between sleep and tiredness, but the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain and body are extensive. Read more https://ecosoberhouse.com/ about exercise as a treatment for chronic stress and pain. Research from 2015 has shown that exercise may relieve chronic pain and fatigue.
Light to Moderate Drinking Can Still Cause Changes to the Brain
These can include anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances. However, brain fog can persist for extended periods for some individuals and may require professional intervention. This is particularly true for individuals who have been heavy drinkers for an extended period or with a severe alcohol use disorder.
- If a pregnant woman cannot abstain, she should aim to reduce her alcohol consumption as much as possible.
- Hypothyroidism causes a general slowing down of your metabolic processes and can cause brain fog, among other symptoms.
You must prioritize self-care and engage in healthy habits to support cognitive function during this time. If not addressed, alcohol brain fog can lead to more severe cognitive impairments over time. Heavy drinking also may speed up memory loss in early old age, at least in men, according to a 2014 study in the journal Neurology.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Signs, Effects, and Treatment
Common hormonal imbalances that can cause brain fog include low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) and high cortisol levels (adrenal fatigue). If you drink alcohol regularly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking or reduce your alcohol intake. The direct effects of alcohol on the brain are thought to play a significant role in alcoholic brain fog. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes brain fog from alcohol, the symptoms of alcohol fog, and how to remedy the problem. If someone experiences brain fog in the weeks after their withdrawal, they may have a mental health problem. Brain fog occurs when a medical condition impedes a person’s ability to think clearly.
A poor diet can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which can cause cognitive problems. A medical professional will be able to rule out any other potential causes of your symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment process for you, including alcohol addiction treatment. It is characterized by memory loss, confusion, and difficulty thinking clearly. Many people report feeling “fuzzy” or “out of it” the day after drinking heavily. It is important to remember that your body is going through a lot when you first stop drinking alcohol.
Painkillers and Opioid Use Disorder
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away for a proper diagnosis. If you’re experiencing motion sickness, try alcohol brain fog to avoid looking at moving objects and focus on a stationary object instead. Anxiety and panic attacks can also make you dizzy and your head foggy.
- « You might hear the classic term ‘wet brain,’ and that’s a real thing, » said Pagano.
- People who drink regularly may also notice that booze doesn’t have the same effect on them as it used to.
- Mindfulness meditation can help you cope with the anxious feelings that can arise with too much alcohol.
- You must prioritize self-care and engage in healthy habits to support cognitive function during this time.
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size. Most of these effects are caused by a spike in blood-alcohol content over a short period of time, said Ray. Taking breaks between drinks—and being sure not to imbibe on an empty stomach—can help reduce your risk of experiencing them yourself.