In a new study, researchers found that hangovers could reduce brain function and memory.
The research was conducted by a team from Swinburne University of Technology (Swinburne) in Melbourne.
The team breathalyzed and interviewed participants at the end of a night out in the central entertainment district of Brisbane.
In the next morning, more than 100 participants who had drunk alcohol that night completed an online survey and cognitive test. These people experienced varying degrees of hangovers.
The test measured their brain function, particularly memory and executive function.
The team found that those who had a higher breath alcohol concentration (BAC) on the previous night and spent more time drinking.
These people also reported worse hangover symptoms and performed the test slower than more sober counterparts.
In addition, the more alcohol that is consumed, the worse the hangover and impairment to the brain.
The team hopes the finding can help people understand their limitations while hungover.
It is important to learn more about the causes and consequences of a hangover because not only are hangovers very commonly experienced, but they also may have harmful effects on day-to-day activities.
People with a hangover have less ability to drive, work, study or conduct other activities.
The team will keep exploring the effects of hangovers on brain function, looking for better ways to engage with a wider pool of participants.
The lead author of the study is Swinburne Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Sarah Benson.
The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
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