Consistency of hangover experiences after a night of drinking: A controlled laboratory study

Abstract

Objective: Research into cognitive performance during a hangover has produced equivocal findings. This study investigated the reliability of inducing hangover symptoms and effects on cognitive performance (including applied tasks) under standardised conditions.Method: Twenty-one participants (13 M; 24 ± 3 years) completed two identical trials, involving alcohol consumption and an overnight laboratory stay. Outcome measures included: hangover severity (a single-item 'Hangover' rating, and a sum of hangover symptoms [Overall Symptoms Score (OSS)]), cognitive function (trail making test), simulated driving (standard deviation of lateral position; lane crossings), and typing performance. Spearman's correlations were used to assess reliability between trials for all participants, and when ratings of 'Hangover' were consistent.