Many have embarked on their New Year’s resolutions, hoping for a brighter and better 2025. A common aim amongst Brits is to take on the Dry January challenge.
Starting from January 1, this 31-day endeavour sees people avoid all alcoholic drinks. It comes as a stark contrast to the festive indulgences many will have enjoyed over Christmas.
NHS GP Dr Tim Mercer has highlighted the positive outcomes of persisting with the challenge, such as improved sleep patterns and potential weight loss. According to Dr Mercer, alcohol is “pretty bad for us” and can significantly disrupt our sleep cycles.
In a TikTok video, he said: “If you’ve been drinking lots of alcohol throughout the holiday period, you might actually notice insomnia develop in the first instance when you withdraw from using alcohol in the first week of Dry January. In the first week [of Dry January], you will be adjusting to the absence of alcohol.”
The NHS GP also mentioned possible symptoms like mild headaches and difficulties getting and staying asleep initially. He suggests substituting alcohol with “something healthy” as a way of giving your mind the illusion of a placebo effect.
Dr Mercer said that, by the second week of the challenge, people usually start to experience an uptick in their wellbeing, with noticeable improvements to their energy levels, digestion, skin and sleep quality. The medic added: “By the third week, you’re in the swing of things, and your body is starting to become alcohol-free.”
He also noted that by this point, most people who stick with Dry January will notice significant mood improvements and a “new level” of deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Completing the full month will lead to a notable improvement in liver health, and some may even experience weight loss.
Thousands take part in Dry January – both officially and informally
(Image: Getty)
According to the official Alcohol Change UK website, 215,000 people participated in Dry January 2024. Most used the Try Dry® app – available on the App Store or Google Play – which has daily coaching emails and online communities.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on overall health and finances, potentially lowering the risk of high blood pressure for frequent drinkers.
With proper support, quitting can be more manageable than expected. Additional guidance can be found on the NHS website.