The surprising benefits of Dry January and all the ways it affects your body revealed
MILLIONS of Brits have pledged to ditch the booze this January.
Countless studies have already shown links between excessive drinking and cancers, heart failure and diabetes, among other chronic health issues.
It's no wonder, then, that so many are trying to cut out the pub this dry Jan.
But does a month of sobriety really make any noticeable difference to health – or are habitual drinkers simply kidding themselves?
A sober month may not just benefit your physical health, but can improve your mental health too, experts have said.
1. Reduces anxiety
Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of mental illness - every heard or a little thing called hangxiety...?
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Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at told the Sun: "By reducing alcohol consumption you might notice a shift in your overall mental wellness, and feel more positive and less anxious."
2. Improved sleep
You'll wake up feeling a lot less tired and more energised after a week away from alcohol.
This is because alcohol interrupts your normal sleep pattern and makes your miss the important rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
According to experts at , while you're supposed to have between six and seven cycles of REM sleep a night, you typically only have one or two when you've been drinking.
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By cutting out alcohol you'll avoid this and get an additional five to six REM cycles a night.
GP Doctor Preethi Daniel from previously told the Sun that giving up alcohol will also improve your sleeping pattern in the long run.
3. Weight loss
Alcohol increases your daily calorie intake.
One pint of beer contains an average of 208 calories while a glass of wine may contain 83 calories.
Signe said: "If you have consumed alcohol on a regular basis previously, you might also notice a reduction in body fat after a couple of weeks.
"This is because alcohol provides us with empty calories (calories without any nutrients), plus consuming alcohol also makes us choose less nutritious food choices, such as fast foods and takeaways."
Cutting out alcohol will therefore mean you're consuming less unhealthy food and drink - and hopefully make you see a difference in your appearance.
4. You'll look better
Skipping that nightcap can also do wonders for your skin.
"Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can make skin look dull, so at this stage you should notice that your skin has more of a glow to it.
"Swapping wine for water hydrates the body and skin, and leads to better overall health," she added.
Better physical health
It's towards the end of the month when you'll really experience the physical benefits of sobriety.
"Your body will benefit from a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and high blood pressure," Signe explained.
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"If you have consumed alcohol on a regular basis previously, you might also notice a reduction in body fat after a couple of weeks.
"This is because alcohol provides us with empty calories (calories without any nutrients), plus consuming alcohol also makes us choose less nutritious food choices, such as fast foods and takeaways," she added.
How to get help with alcohol
There are plenty of helpful resources and tools to help you with your drinking issues.
Drinkline - Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
- free self-help group that offers a 12 week plan
- A group for family members or friends struggling to help a loved one
- a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol
- helpline for children who have parents who are alcohol dependent - call 0800 358 3456