Alcohol

Alcohol Use and the Effects on Performance?

• Alcohol stimulates the kidneys to produce urine, which could lead to dehydration. Alcohol consumption can lead to a 3% loss of body weight (as fluid loss) within 4 hours of consumption. Dehydration can lead to cramping, even in the absence of heat, increased fatigue, headache and decreases ability to repair damaged muscle tissue.
• According to the American College of Sports Medicine large amounts of alcohol consumption can limit skills that require reaction time, balance, accuracy and hand-eye coordination. It also decreases strength, power, speed, muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance.
• Its effects on the central nervous system can interfere with sleep patterns and decrease your quality of sleep. Poor sleep can in turn lead to fatigue, impaired ability to recover from injury and an increased risk of injury.