Alcohol impairs attention and performance much beyond hangover

In new study psychologists at the University of Bath have found that the effects of a heavy drinking session on our thoughts and performance may last longer than we think. The research has been published in the journal Addiction.

It highlights individuals may have impairments in cognition after alcohol consumption even when there is little to no alcohol left in the bloodstream. Moreover, the hungover individuals have poorer attention, memory and psychomotor skills such as coordination and speed when compared to when sober. The findings have important implications when it comes to activities performed when hungover, including driving.

Hangover is the most commonly-reported negative consequence of alcohol use and is already estimated to cost the UK economy £1.9 billion a year due to absenteeism. Despite this, up until this point, little has been done to examine the effects of being hungover 'on the job'.

For example, while hungover, individuals might typically wait until they believe there is no alcohol in the system before driving. These new results suggest that we could still be impaired in terms of the cognitive processes required, even after alcohol has left the bloodstream. In addition, the researchers warn that although many workplaces have clear policies in place regarding alcohol intoxication at work, few cover the next day effects of alcohol.

For certain jobs, they suggest, employees should be aware of the real effects that hangovers can have, and employers might do well to consider revising guidelines on safety grounds.

Leader author Craig Gunn of the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath explained: "In our review of 19 studies we found that hangover impaired psychomotor speed, short and long-term memory and sustained attention. Impaired performance in these abilities reflects poorer concentration and focus, decreased memory and reduced reaction times the day after an evening of heavy drinking. Our review also indicated limited and inconsistent research on alcohol hangover and the need for future studies in the field."

Senior author Dr Sally Adams added: "Our findings demonstrate that hangover can have serious consequences for the performance of everyday activities such as driving and workplace skills such as concentration and memory.

"These findings also highlight that there is a need for further research in this field where alcohol hangover has implications at the individual level in terms of health and wellbeing, but also more widely at the national level for safety and the economy."