Effects of caffeinated vs. non-caffeinated alcoholic beverage on next-day hangover incidence and severity, perceived sleep quality, and alertness.

Aims: Beliefs about the effects of mixing caffeine and alcohol on hangover or sleep may play a role in motivation to consume these mixtures; therefore, information is needed about actual effects. We investigated whether intoxication with caffeinated vs. non-caffeinated beer differentially affected perceived sleep quality, sleepiness, and hangover incidence and severity the next morning.

Methods: University students (89%) and recent graduate drinkers were randomized to receive: (1) beer with the equivalent of 69mg caffeine/12oz glass of regular beer (n=28) or (2) beer without caffeine (n=36), in sufficient quantity to attain a BrAC of 0.12g%. After an 8-h supervised sleep period, participants completed measures of hangover, sleep quality, sleep latency and time asleep, and sleepiness.

Results: While caffeinated beer improved perceived sleep quality, effect sizes were greater for morning alertness than for quality while sleeping, with no effect on sleep latency or total sleep time. No effects were seen on hangover incidence or severity.

Conclusions: Mixing caffeine and alcohol does not significantly impair amount of sleep or sleep latency, hangover, or sleepiness the morning after drinking to intoxication in this population.