Can a couple of drinks really be enough to impact your energy the next day?

Want to find out exactly why?

Keep reading for the facts.

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3 ways energy levels change when you cut out alcohol

1.

Dr. Lander says that one of the biggest misconceptions about alcohol is that it will help you sleep better.

Actually, the opposite is true.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

Brad Lander, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and specializes in alcohol addition.

This can affect someones energy level even after one night, Dr. Lander says.

Scientific studies back this up.

(Moderate being defined as two to three drinks.)

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If you have one drink early in the evening, it likely dont disrupt your sleep.

Youll be more hydrated.

Even though alcoholic drinks are liquid, Dr. Lander says they arent actually hydrating.

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The more you drink, the more dehydrated you get, he says.

This is because alcohol is a diuretic.

(Cue every over-embellished breaking the seal comment you heard in college.)

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Brad Lander, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and specializes in alcohol addition.

When youre dehydrated, the biochemical reactions that occur when breaking down carbohydrates and fat for energy slow down.

Youre not getting that energy as quickly as you would, nutrition expertPaula Simpson, RNCP,previously toldWell+Good.

(Interestingly, this particular study did not find a connection between mild dehydration and cognition.)

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Your gut will function better.

That includes the gut.

While he says one drink isnt a big deal, more than that can start creating an imbalance.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Minimizing alcohol will help support your gut, which in turn can lead to feeling more energized.

And if youre looking for alternatives to alcohol,check out these nine brands.

Just knowing the connection between alcohol consumption and energy is important.

Millions of people in the U.S. are chronically tired and fatigued.

Getting to the root causes can be complicated, but alcohol certainly can play a part.

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