Brits spend two years of their lives hungover

On average, over 18s will wake up at least once a month feeling the worse for wear following an alcohol-fuelled night, the poll of 2,000 people for Healthspan Ruby Effervescent Vitamin C found.

This equates to 724 days over the average adult lifetime, the research suggested. 

The findings also revealed that one in 20 people struggle with the effects of too much alcohol six or more times a month – especially during the festive period – while one in four have turned up late to work and one in 10 admit to making mistakes.

'Water, fresh air and painkillers among popular cures'

Water was found to be the most popular hangover cure, followed by a lie-in, a shower, fresh air and painkillers.

As many as three in 10 people admitted to craving salty foods, with a bacon sandwich, fry-up and pizza among the most popular meals.

Other tried and tested remedies included lounging on the sofa watching TV or spending the day in bed, enjoying a roast dinner or gorging on chocolate and crisps.

Around 30 glasses of wine and 22 pints of beer involving an average of 62 units and 4,000 calories are consumed in the run up to Christmas, according to GP Dr Sarah Brewer.