What Is Dry January Challenge? Here’s How The Popular Trend Could Lead To Better Sleep And Health

The Dry January challenge came into effect in 2013, introduced by the charity Alcohol Change UK, and became part of the popular New Year resolutions followed by several people every year. A study has now found that in 2023, 175,000 people signed up for the challenge with countless others participating unofficially.

What Is Dry January Challenge?

Dry January is a challenge followed by people as part of their New Year resolutions. During the challenge, participants need to abstain from consuming alcohol, be it cocktails, wine or beer, for 31 days or for the month of January.

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Benefits Of Dry January Challenge

Dr Richard de Visser, psychologist from the University of Sussex, in collaboration with the Alcohol Change UK, surveyed 4,232 people who participated in the challenge. The study found various benefits from the challenge including;

- A break from alcohol could help with reductions of liver fat, blood glucose and blood cholesterol.

- Another benefit includes better sleep patterns with 56 per cent of the participants claiming to be experiencing improved sleep quality after the challenge.

- 52 per cent participants experienced an increase in their energy levels with 50 per cent witnessing overall improvement in their health.

- The challenge also has a financial benefit with 63 per cent participants saving money during the month by not spending it on alcohol.

- Contradicting the study that alcohol aids sleep, it actually impairs sleep quality and reduces the amount of REM sleep, affecting memory and concentration.

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Tips For A Successful Dry January

Participate with a support: According to the study, people who participate in the challenge through campaigns or online communities are twice as likely to complete the challenge than the one who tries alone.

Minimise the opportunity: One must minimise the circumstances when he could easily find alcohol. If it's difficult to manage social pressure, try going to non-alcoholic places
Understand the pattern: By understanding the habitual pattern and swapping it with other healthier alternatives could benefit in getting effective results from the challenge.