Recent research indicates that the severity of hangovers may be more closely related to how intoxicated individuals feel rather than the total number of alcoholic drinks consumed. This finding, presented at the 14th Alcohol Hangover Research Group Meeting in Glasgow, highlights a shift in understanding the factors contributing to hangover experiences.
Researchers from the Open University conducted a study involving nearly 1,200 participants from the UK and Ireland. They sought to understand the relationship between drinking habits and hangover severity. Participants reported on their heaviest drinking episodes in the past month, including how many drinks they consumed and their perceived level of drunkenness on a scale from zero to ten. Additionally, the study examined personality traits and mood states while drinking.
The results revealed that perceived drunkenness had a significant impact on hangover severity, accounting for 64 percent of the variance, while the actual number of drinks consumed contributed only 11 percent. This suggests that the effects of alcohol on the brain and body may intensify symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and thirst, regardless of the quantity of alcohol ingested.
Dr. Lydia Devenney, who led the study, emphasized the importance of awareness regarding one’s intoxication level. She stated, “This has implications for how we manage our hangovers. Your future self may thank you for not just keeping an eye on how much you drink but also checking in with how you feel and remembering what’s ‘normal’ for you before ordering that next round.”
Interestingly, the study found that personality factors, such as whether an individual is neurotic or extroverted, were not significantly linked to the severity of hangovers. This indicates that the subjective experience of intoxication plays a more pivotal role than previously understood.
The findings align with the NHS’s guidelines, which recommend that adults limit alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units per week, approximately equivalent to six glasses of wine or pints of beer. As the holiday season approaches, many individuals may be inclined to drink more, making this research particularly relevant for those looking to mitigate the effects of alcohol.
In conclusion, understanding the factors that contribute to hangover severity can help individuals make more informed decisions about alcohol consumption. By focusing on their perceived level of intoxication, drinkers may be able to reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe hangovers.
