Science Confirms: Being "Hangry" Is a Real Thing

ByAndrea Heckler, 07/25/2017

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If you find yourself getting moodier the closer it gets to lunch time, you're not the only one. Here's why!

The Science Behind Getting "Hangry"

At last there's some science to back up what we've always known, deep down...

You know how many of us start getting easily upset or angry the hungrier we get? This feeling has been dubbed "being hangry", and even though many of us experience it, we've never really taken it seriously.

Until now.

According to a column at New Scientist, there are real scientific reasons why this happens when you get hungry. Much of this has to do with your blood sugar.

Blood Glucose Levels and Your Mood

When you're hungry, your glucose levels drop. This affects your body in a number of ways, including making it progressively more difficult for you to focus and work efficiently. On top of that, your body starts to release an influx of stress-causing hormones when you lack blood sugar.

Along with these stress hormones, your body might also release neuropeptide Y. This chemical, according to this 2012 study, has a direct relationship with "impulsive aggression." Sound familiar?

So, in case you were wondering...your blood sugar levels are REALLY important. And they can be surprisingly influential on your mood.

Dangers of Being Hangry

This proves that "hangriness" isn't just something we've made up in our heads or just tease about with friends. It is, in fact, a very real thing, and it can affect your everyday life: your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers, your work productivity, and even your overall happiness and sense of well-being.

That gives you a very good reason to sneak in that mid-morning or afternoon snack to keep your stomach happy.

Need some snack-spiration? Here are 27 easy snacks that will keep you going all day!