HANGOVERS make us dumber and slow our thinking, a study says.

And experts say boozers’ lost productivity could be costing the UK economy up to £1.4billion a year.

Researchers asked 27 casual drinkers aged 18 to 30 to do maths and pattern-spotting tests when sober and again with a hangover.

They were also quizzed about their mood.

Those recovering from a night on the sauce not only performed worse in the tests but felt sadder and less able to control their emotions.

Dr Craig Gunn, of Bristol University, said: “Hangovers appear to impact most, if not all, aspects of executive functions.

“The hangover has a substantial impact on individuals and wider society, and should be considered as a ­public health concern.”

With Christmas party season around the corner, a poll by the Institute of Alcohol Studies found four in ten Brits have gone to work with a hangover.

The think-tank estimates up to 89,000 go in worse for wear on any given work day.

The Sun revealed last month that regular exercise will reduce the horror of hangovers.

A study found that drinkers who keep fit suffer less after a night on the booze.

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