Abstract
Various factors may contribute to alcohol hangover severity. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the possible impact of alcohol consumption patterns, perceived immune status, and baseline fatigue on hangover severity. A survey was completed by a convenience sample of N = 199 Dutch students who reported on their latest past month’s heavy drinking occasion, including subjective intoxication (perceived drunkenness) and next-day hangover severity, which were rated on single-item scales ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). In addition, perceived (momentary) immune fitness was assessed, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) was completed to assess baseline fatigue. The analysis revealed that instead of the amount of alcohol consumed or estimated blood alcohol concentration, it appeared that subjective intoxication (i.e., level of drunkenness) was the most important determinant of alcohol hangover severity. Especially in men, albeit modest, it was perceived that immune fitness also significantly contributed to the level of hangover severity experienced.
Highlights
The alcohol hangover is the most commonly reported negative consequence of increased alcohol consumption [1] and has been defined as ‘the combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which may be experienced the day after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero’ [2,3]
In line with previous research, the amount of alcohol consumed and estimated BAC did not contribute to the models predicting hangover severity.ofHowever, the analyses confirmed previous studies
BAC did not that showed that subjective intoxication is a very strong predictor of hangover severity contribute to the models predicting hangover severity
Summary
The alcohol hangover is the most commonly reported negative consequence of increased alcohol consumption [1] and has been defined as ‘the combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which may be experienced the day after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero’ [2,3]. Previous research focused on various factors that may predict hangover severity. Both state and trait mood appeared to have a limited impact on hangover severity [11]. Other studies found that consuming alcoholic beverages with high levels of congeners (i.e., substances other than ethanol, produced during fermentation)—may aggravate hangover severity [12]. Research investigated the possible impact of alcohol consumption variables (i.e., quantity, frequency measures) in relation to hangover severity. Such studies revealed that the amount of alcohol consumed or estimated BAC was not the most important predictors of hangover severity.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
