Enjoying a cold drink in the sun sounds like summer fun, but mixing alcohol with heat can be dangerous. Experts warn that alcohol speeds up dehydration, raises your risk of sunburn, and interferes with your body’s ability to regulate temperature. In extreme heat, this can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Alcohol also affects sleep, especially on hot nights. It might help you fall asleep at first but disrupts REM sleep—the most restorative phase—leaving you tired the next day. It also impairs judgment, making accidents more likely while swimming, biking, or staying too long in the sun without sunscreen.

To stay safe, doctors suggest drinking water between alcoholic drinks, avoiding booze during peak heat, and stopping earlier in the evening. Trying alcohol-free options and keeping track of how much you drink can also help. This summer, keeping cool might mean saying no to that extra cocktail.

SOURCE:

The Independent, June 30, 2025