The month of January sees people trying new things, whether that be New Year’s resolutions, attempting dry January or just trying to be a bit healthier and fitter in general, people are getting out of their comfort zones.
For those still taking part in Dry January, the light at the end of the tunnel will finally be in sight. But what effect has it had on them and have they noticed any differences? Not only will they not be getting any alcohol induced headaches, their brains will have changed how they are working too.
Research has been conducted into what effect alcohol can have on your brain. The European Medical Students Association stated that “Regular consumption of alcohol changes our brain by decreasing the levels of serotonin - a key chemical in depression.”
Read More: Clifton Village bakery and shop Sunday General announces closure
The Association further stated that “As a result of this depletion a cyclical process begins where one drinks to relieve depression, which causes serotonin levels in the brain to be depleted, leading to one feeling even more depressed, and thus necessitating even more alcohol consumption to medicate this depression.”
But it’s not just your mood that higher levels of booze intake will affect, it goes as far as affecting your REM sleep, the way your brain transmits, your levels of stress and eventually your craving for alcohol.
Feeling curious? Follow Curiously on TikTok , Instagram , Facebook and Twitter .
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is a vital stage of sleep, it is where your body does a lot of repairs to tissue, builds muscles and develops the brain so that it is healthier. Those consuming larger amounts of alcohol will experience a lower level of creativity and find that they are less reactive when awake.
Bustle found that in a 2018 dry January study, 71% of participants found they actually slept better and 57% were able to concentrate more, this shows that by going without alcohol for a month your REM sleep will be better.
The 2018 study further found that by just taking one month off drinking alcohol can reshape the relationship you have with the substance. Looking at 800 participants, the study found over 75% had learnt about their motivations for over-drinking and a further 80% felt they were in more control of their drinking habits.
While this research suggests that drinking can really inhibit parts of the brain’s functions, it doesn’t mean you need to quit drinking forever. Just taking a break away from the booze every now and then may help you feel or sleep better.
Ready to explore more? Follow Curiously on TikTok , Instagram , Facebook and Twitter .
Up Next:
