Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
09:26
Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
Cognitive and psychomotor performance during alcohol hangover.
Jonathan Ling1, Richard Stephens, Thomas M Heffernan
1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Wellbeing, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sunderland, Chester Road, Sunderland SR27PT, UK. jonathan.ling@sunderland.ac.uk
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
|August 18, 2010
Summary
Alcohol hangovers significantly impair cognitive functions, particularly attention and memory. Recent research confirms these deficits, suggesting a need for more detailed studies on hangover-related cognitive impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption has significant health and social consequences.
- Research increasingly focuses on the functional effects of alcohol hangovers.
- Previous reviews highlighted the need for further investigation into hangover effects on cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent empirical studies on the relationship between alcohol hangover and psychological performance.
- To update previous findings on hangover effects on cognitive functioning.
- To identify specific cognitive domains affected by hangovers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search for studies on hangover and cognition published since 2008.
- Applied strict inclusion criteria, including zero Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) at testing.
- Synthesized findings from rigorous laboratory and naturalistic studies.
Main Results:
- Identified four rigorous laboratory studies, two less rigorous laboratory studies, and two rigorous naturalistic studies meeting inclusion criteria.
- Evidence indicates specific cognitive decrements in attention and memory during the alcohol hangover phase.
- Findings converge with earlier research, strengthening the evidence for cognitive impairments.
Conclusions:
- There is substantial evidence of cognitive deficits, particularly in attention and memory, during alcohol hangovers.
- Future research should shift focus from broad cognitive assessments to detailed analysis of attention and memory impairments.
- Understanding these deficits is crucial for public health and safety related to alcohol consumption.
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