Caffeinated drinks, alcohol consumption and hangover severity

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between consumption of caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and effects on next day hangover severity. In 2010, a survey funded by Utrecht University was conducted among N=549 Dutch students. Beverages consumed on their latest drinking session that produced a hangover were recorded. Hangover severity was scored using the Acute Hangover Scale. No significant correlation between caffeine use and hangover severity was found. Subjects who mixed alcohol with colas consumed significantly more alcohol than those who drank alcohol alone (p=0.001), or mixed alcohol with energy drinks (p=0.001). Future studies with larger sample sizes should confirm these findings.