Key Takeaways -
- Saunas are often used for relaxation and detoxification.
- Saunas may be one way to help recovery after a night of drinking by helping to reduce inflammation and muscle aches, as well as aiding in hydration.
- They work by increasing the body temperature, which may help sweat out the toxins from alcohol.
- It is important to note that saunas should not be used as a replacement for other hangover remedies, such as rehydration and rest.
Are you feeling the effects of a little too much fun? If you’re looking for relief from that dreaded hangover, you may consider using a sauna. While it won’t erase your night out completely, there are some proven benefits to using a sauna for hangovers.
Infrared saunas can help with headaches, nausea and even dehydration associated with a hangover from too much alcohol. The gentle heat will help relax the muscles, decrease inflammation and boost blood circulation.
In this article, we will discuss why and how using a sauna can help alleviate symptoms associated with hangovers, such as headache, nausea and dehydration.
We'll also offer tips on how to make the most out of your experience in the sauna so that you can get back to feeling like yourself sooner rather than later. So put away those greasy foods and ibuprofen - let's get into it.
Can Saunas Help With a Hangover?
Yes, saunas can potentially help with a hangover from alcohol consumption. Saunas are known to induce SWEATING, which helps to flush out toxins from the body.
This detoxification process can not only help ALLEVIATE symptoms such as headache and nausea, but it also has the potential to speed up alcohol metabolism, which may help reduce the intensity of a hangover.
When you drink alcohol, it dilates blood vessels, which can lead to INFLAMMATION, headaches and body pain [1]. A sauna session helps increase the body temperature, reducing inflammation and relieving muscle tension.
Additionally, an infrared sauna has many other potential health benefits that could indirectly help with a hangover from heavy drinking.
Pro Tip: Before using the sauna, be sure to HYDRATE with plenty of water, so you don’t become dehydrated. Dehydration can worsen a hangover and make it last longer.
The Benefits of Sauna Use That Can Help A Hangover
Using Saunas come with many potential BENEFITS that can help alleviate a hangover. These include:
Detoxification of the body
Sweating can aid in the detoxification of your body, resulting in REDUCED severity of hangover symptoms. Especially an infrared sauna's heat can raise your core body temperature and induce an artificial fever, which helps to flush out alcohol toxins [2].
Improved circulation and oxygenation
Rejuvenate yourself with the HEALING powers of saunas, which can assist in encouraging good blood flow and higher oxygenation in your body - resulting in a much-needed boost of energy.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling really hungover, try a cold shower after your sauna session to reduce inflammation and help with circulation [3].
Pain relief
Saunas can help to reduce inflammation and RELAX muscles, which can help with headaches and stomach pain. Additionally, some people find that the heat from a sauna helps to soothe aches and pains brought on by a night of drinking.
Improved sleep
An infrared sauna session is an effective way to reduce STRESS and loosen up, which in turn can help one attain a better night's sleep. Thus if you find yourself unable to slumber after having had a night on the town, this could be just what you need.
Pro Tip: Sleep after drinking alcohol, if possible, as it helps to reduce the intensity of a hangover [4].
Reduced anxiety
A sauna can be a haven of relaxation and relief for those STRUGGLING from the aftermath of drinking too much. Not only will it provide comfort to your body, but it can also help with stress relief and reduce anxiety caused by a hangover.
What Are the Other Potential Benefits of Using Saunas?
There are many other potential benefits to using a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna that can help support your overall health, such as:
- Decreased stress levels
- Boosted immune system
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased metabolism
- Enhanced skin tone
- Lower blood pressure
How Should You Use a Steam Sauna to Combat a Hangover?
To get the most out of your sauna session and alleviate hangover symptoms, here are our top tips:
- Drink plenty of water before and after using a sauna. This will help replenish lost fluids in the body after drinking alcohol.
- Start off gradually - spend no more than 10 minutes in the sauna at first and increase your time over time.
- Ensure that the sauna is not too hot and you have a comfortable temperature - it should be bearable.
- Take breaks in between sessions and make sure to cool down to avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion.
- Wear light, breathable clothing and avoid heavily perfumed products that may irritate the eyes and skin.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Taking Saunas?
Yes, taking saunas can come with potential RISKS. For example, it is important to ensure that the sauna is not too hot or humid, as this could lead to overheating and dehydrating the body.
Additionally, individuals with certain CONDITIONS, such as heart disease or diabetes, should speak to a medical professional before using a sauna. Furthermore, drinking alcohol before or during sauna use may increase dehydration as well as put undue strain on the body.
Studies have shown that regular and MODERATE sauna use can have positive effects on overall health, providing many physical and mental benefits.
So Can A Sauna Cure A Hangover?
In conclusion, saunas can help alleviate symptoms associated with a hangover, such as headaches, nausea and dehydration. The heat from the sauna will help relax muscles and reduce inflammation while detoxifying the body of toxins that could make a hangover worse.
Saunas also have other potential health benefits which can indirectly support your recovery from a hangover. However, it is still important to practice moderation when drinking alcohol and be sure to get adequate rest in order to prevent a hangover from occurring in the first place.
Remember, saunas are not a hangover cure, so if you find yourself feeling particularly unwell after a night out, then it is best to seek advice from a medical professional.
But if used responsibly, a sauna can be a great way to get your body back on its feet and help you on your way to recovering from a night of excess.
By following all relevant safety guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, sauna use can be a great way to help you feel better after a hangover - so get steaming!
Sources -
- UC G. GoHealth Urgent Care | Surprising Side Effects of Alcohol. GoHealth Urgent Care. Published May 17, 2021. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/surprising-side-effects-alcohol
- FloatSpace. Infrared Sauna Benefits | Floatation Tank & Infrared Sauna Sessions. Float Space. Published September 18, 2020. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://float.space/infrared-sauna-benefits/
- Clearlight Saunas. How To Use Cold to Enhance Your Sauna. Infraredsauna.co.uk. Published November 7, 2022. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.infraredsauna.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-cold-shower-to-enhance-your-sauna-experience
- Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD. 7 Evidence-Based Ways to Prevent Hangovers. Healthline. Published June 30, 2022. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-ways-to-prevent-a-hangover#
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