Why Alcohol Makes You Feel Hot (And What's Really Happening)

You're out with friends on a cold winter night, enjoying drinks at a local restaurant. When you step outside to head to another bar, something unexpected happens: you suddenly feel hot! You take off your jacket and welcome the cool night air. But what's actually going on? Does alcohol genuinely warm you up, or is this just a temporary sensation?

Why Do I Feel Hot When Drinking Alcohol?

To understand why alcohol makes us feel warm, we need to examine how it affects our blood vessels. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to expand. This allows blood to flow more easily throughout the body, including to the skin's surface. That's why we experience that "beer blanket" sensation and why our cheeks and neck often become flushed.

Although this process makes our skin feel warmer, the widening of blood vessels is actually the body's way of cooling itself down after drinking alcohol. Our skin feels warm because the body is actively pushing heat outward. The intensity of this sensation varies from person to person, depending on factors like how much alcohol you've consumed and your individual tolerance level.

Does Alcohol Actually Increase Body Temperature?

While alcohol creates a warm sensation, studies show it actually lowers your core body temperature and increases the risk of hypothermia. Here's how it works:

• Normally, when we're cold, blood flows away from the skin toward our organs to maintain core temperature
• Alcohol reverses this process, increasing blood flow to the skin and causing a significant drop in body temperature
• Alcohol reduces our ability to shiver, which is the body's natural way of generating warmth
• After drinking, the body may try to counteract the warm sensation by sweating, which further decreases body temperature

This effect is particularly dangerous because it tricks us into feeling warmer than we actually are, potentially leading to risky situations in cold weather.

Alcohol and Hot Flashes

Many people experience hot flashes after drinking, particularly during a hangover as the body temperature rises from the low point reached during intoxication. These hot flashes and night sweats occur because alcohol triggers the sympathetic nervous system (our fight-or-flight response). Symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Feeling hot
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trembling or shaking
• High blood pressure

Hangover sweating can worsen dehydration, creating a cycle of increased thirst, weakness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Alcohol also affects hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep and body temperature, potentially causing night sweats that can last up to 24 hours after drinking.

Alcohol Withdrawal and Hot Flashes

People with alcohol use disorder may experience hot flashes during withdrawal. Without alcohol's depressant effect on the central nervous system, the brain becomes overexcited, leading to increased blood pressure and body heat. Alcohol withdrawal can also cause tachycardia (irregularly fast heartbeat), which may result in hot flashes and excessive sweating.

Does Whiskey Help a Cold?

While some people swear by hot toddies (whiskey with hot water, honey, and lemon) for cold relief, alcohol generally isn't recommended when you're sick. Although it might help you fall asleep faster and soothe throat irritation, alcohol actually suppresses your immune system, dehydrates you, and disrupts quality sleep - all counterproductive when fighting illness.

How to Reduce Hot Flashes After Drinking

The most effective way to prevent alcohol-related hot flashes is to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. If you do drink, these tips can help:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water between alcoholic beverages and continue hydrating the next day
• Choose lower-alcohol drinks: Beer and wine typically cause less intense vasodilation than spirits
• Stay cool: Use fans, cool showers, or adjust your environment to regulate body temperature
• Avoid caffeine: It can increase heart rate and sweating, and may mask alcohol's effects
• Practice deep breathing: Slow, mindful breathing can calm your body and lower heart rate
• Wear breathable clothing: Choose loose, cotton fabrics that allow heat to escape
• Get adequate rest: Proper sleep helps your body recover from alcohol's effects

The Bottom Line

Alcohol creates a warm sensation through vasodilation, but this doesn't mean your core temperature is rising. In fact, alcohol lowers core body temperature and impairs your ability to stay warm, potentially increasing hypothermia risk. As your body recovers from drinking, temperature fluctuations can cause sweating and hot flashes.

Limiting alcohol consumption is the best approach for your overall health. If you choose to drink, stay hydrated, consume in moderation, and opt for lower-alcohol beverages. If you're looking to reduce your drinking, consider trying Quitemate - a science-backed approach that has helped many people improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.