Hangover, Congeners, Sleep and Occupational Performance
United States140 participantsStarted 2003-09
Plain-language summary
The objective is to investigate residual effects of heavy drinking, with or without hangover symptoms. The primary aim is to test several hypotheses about residual effects of heavy drinking. Hypotheses about how heavy drinking affects next-day performance include direct physiological effects of alcohol, alcohol withdrawal effects, and non-ethanol effects, such as congeners, or family history of alcohol problems. The investigators will test the following hypotheses:
1. relative to placebo, heavy drinking will degrade next-day performance, and this relationship will be mediated in full or in part by quality of sleep;
2. a high congener alcoholic beverage will affect performance to a greater degree than a low congener beverage and this relationship will be mediated by severity of hangover symptoms.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years – 30 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Ages 21-30
* Currently enrolled or have completed college/university
* Have had 5 or more drinks (4 if female) in the last 30 days
* Score less than a 5 on the Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (SMAST)
* No self-reported history of counseling or treatment for substance abuse
* Not taking any medication contraindicated for alcohol use or that disrupts sleep
* Doesn't have a health condition contraindicated for alcohol use
* Has not been diagnosed with a primary sleep disorder
* Has not been diagnosed with a mental health disorder
* Not currently working night shifts at a job
* Not routinely taking medications that affect sleep
* No evidence of extreme morningness or eveningness as assessed by questionnaire
* Not a regular smoker
Exclusion Criteria:
* Less than age 21 and greater than age 30
* Not currently enrolled or has not completed college/university
* Hasn't had 5 or more drinks (4 if female) in the last 30 days (not a regular drinker)
* Score greater than or equal to 5 on the Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (SMAST)
* Self-reported history of counseling or treatment for substance abuse
* Taking any medication contraindicated for alcohol use or that disrupts sleep
* Has a health condition contraindicated for alcohol use
* Has been diagnosed with a primary sleep disorder
* Has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder
* Currently working night shifts at a job
* Routinely taking medications that affect sleep
* Evidence of extreme morning…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Cognitive function in response to heavy drinking
2
Cognitive function in response to sleep quality
3
Self-reported residual effects of heavy drinking
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00247585
SponsorNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)