SAUNA HANGOVER CURE?

CAN YOU SWEAT OUT ALCOHOL IN SAUNA?

Have you ever enjoyed one spirited drink too many and found yourself rummaging through the pantry the next morning, seeking a hangover remedy? You're not alone! We've all had our share of 'bottoms up' moments and equally regretful 'heads-down' mornings. 

While some evidence suggests sipping on a calming concoction of ginger, brown sugar, and tangerine to relieve that pounding headache and nausea, others advocate for quirky remedies like munching on greasy bacon sandwiches or gulping down a raw egg martini. 

Well, what about saunas like Almost Heaven Rainelle? Can these steamy sanctuaries help sweat out the toxic traces of last night's wild shindig and make you feel human again, or is it just another old wives' tale in our never-ending quest for the perfect hangover cure? Let's find out!

What Is a Hangover and How Can It Affect You?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes a hangover as a set of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that appear after drinking alcohol excessively. It strikes just as your blood alcohol concentration pushes itself back towards zero. The symptoms vary greatly among individuals in terms of severity and duration but are mostly annoying enough to defeat the bravest of souls!

Some common symptoms of a hangover include:

• Migraines or throbbing headaches

• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness

• Upset stomach, nausea, or even vomiting

• Vertigo or a sense of the room spinning

• Increased sensitivity to light and sound

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

• Dry mouth and dehydration

  
  

In other words, hangovers can really turn your world upside down. It's no surprise that we're constantly looking for that magic potion to make everything right again or at least bearable. 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a killer hangover. However, you can take a sauna session to reduce the symptoms that can linger after a night of heavy drinking. 

Different Types of Saunas

These days, three different types of saunas are available on the market, each bringing unique benefits to the table.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas are heated by stones stacked on a sauna stove — either electric or wood-burning — spiraling the temperatures inside up to anywhere between 160 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Want more heat? Simply throw some water onto the heated stones and let the steam do its magic. This sauna experience not only helps you sweat out toxins but also promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation. 

Steam Saunas

These sauna rooms, often constructed with tile or plastic, use a steam generator like Mr. Steam MS-E Series to create a hot and humid environment. The temperatures are much cooler than a traditional sauna, only reaching around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but the atmosphere is saturated with 100% humidity. 

This makes steam saunas particularly great for those sensitive to high temperatures or prone to dehydration. The steam also helps open up your pores, making it an excellent choice for those wanting hydrated, clear, radiant skin and quick relief from congestion and sinus infection.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike traditional and steam saunas, infrared saunas don't heat the surrounding air. Instead, they use infrared panels that radiate heat directly absorbed by your body. The temperatures are even cooler here, generally ranging between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

This milder experience is great for those who desire a less intense yet deep-reaching cleanse. The infrared technology aims to stimulate detoxification, soothe sore muscles, relieve joint pain, and increase circulation while relaxing your body. If you're searching for a gentle way to bounce back from a heavy night on the tiles, this might just hit the spot!

Can Sauna Use Help With a Hangover?

Saunas have long been believed to be a cure-all for everything from stress to sleep deprivation and, yes, even the dreaded hangover. How much truth is there to these claims?

Despite the popular perception, saunas are not the ultimate hangover remedy. In fact, it's crucial to remember that sauna usage, like any wellness tactic, has a layered impact that depends on an individual's health condition and habits. Let's clear that out a bit.

A study published in PubMed discovered unique interactions between sauna use, alcohol consumption, and our bodies. Researchers found that a single sauna session following alcohol consumption lowered systolic blood pressure significantly. 

The research concludes that even alongside heavy drinking, sauna use does not trigger cardiac arrhythmias or cause significant changes in serum potassium, calcium, and cortisol concentrations. It may increase the risk of hypotension.

Mayo Clinic Health System further indicates that regular, excessive drinking can culminate into chronic liver issues like fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis, or cirrhosis. While it's true that saunas can't directly flush out alcohol or its metabolites from your system, they help keep your liver healthy. 

When you're in a sauna, you start sweating out profusely. This, in turn, forces your body to excrete toxins through your sweat glands. This helps your liver focus its energy on dealing with toxins that are best processed through it.

When you're nursing a hangover, your heart is already stressed due to the effects of alcohol, causing cardiac arrhythmias. UCLA Health explains that sauna sessions can speed up your heart rate. Combining both of them may lead to lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and even fainting.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that alcohol profoundly impacts the brain, resulting in coordination, memory, speech, and judgment. These effects increase the likelihood of injuries and adverse health consequences. 

In fact, a study from the National Library of Medicine pointed out that saunas, when used under the influence of alcohol, can increase the risk of minor injuries like sprains and burns.

To avoid any issues, you should begin your "morning after" with a hearty breakfast and plenty of water. Then, you can take a sauna session once your body has had time to recover from the effects of alcohol.

How to Use Sauna for Overcoming a Hangover

The following are some tips for using a sauna to overcome a hangover:

• Timing: Given that our bodies metabolize the alcohol usually within 24 hours, hitting the sauna in the late morning or early afternoon can be a smart move to help soothe that hangover.

  
  

• Duration: If you're feeling nauseous with a pounding headache — very typical hangover symptoms — keep your sauna session short. Aim for around five to eight  minutes.

  
  

• Frequency: Don't fall for the myth that the more you sauna, the quicker the relief will come. Stick to moderation, like using the sauna once or twice a day.

  
  

• Hydrate: Alcohol can lead to severe dehydration. To counteract this, guzzle down water before, during, and after your sauna session.

  
  

• Bring a bucket: Keep a bucket or a plastic bag nearby in case of emergencies (read: puke). Better safe than sorry! If you're feeling queasy, leave the sauna and give yourself a moment to recover.

  
  

• Use essential oils: Essential oils can be your best pals in this recovery process. Inhaling scents like camphor, grapefruit, or wintergreen oil can counter the effects of dehydration and possibly ease your headache.

  
  

• Cold showers or plunges: Alternate between sauna sessions and cold showers or plunges to increase circulation, boost your immune system, and help your body recover faster.

  
  

• Eat light: Avoid greasy, heavy foods before entering the sauna. Instead, opt for a light meal consisting of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to help your body detoxify. Post sauna, gorge on nutrient-rich food that replenishes your electrolyte levels. Think hydration-boosting fruits like watermelon and bananas.

  
  

• Rest up: Your happy hours have already done a number on your liver and your brain, so get ample rest before and after your sauna session. A good night's sleep is key to giving your body the chance to repair and recuperate, allowing you to bounce back from the dreaded hangover.

Possible Side Effects of Sauna Use 

Saunas are popular for relaxation and relieving sauna hangovers, but they may also have some health benefits and risks. 

Here are some possible side effects of sauna use:

• Heat discomfort or intolerance: Some people may feel uncomfortable or intolerant to the high temperatures in a sauna, especially if they are not used to it. This can cause mild to moderate discomfort, such as sweating, flushing, dizziness, or nausea.

  
  

• Dehydration: Saunas can cause significant fluid loss through sweating, leading to dehydration if not replenished. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, and kidney problems. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after using a sauna is important to prevent dehydration.

  
  

• Skin irritation: Saunas can improve skin health by opening pores and removing toxins. However, some people may experience skin irritation or rashes from the heat, humidity, or chemicals used in the sauna. People with sensitive skin or skin conditions should be cautious when using a sauna and avoid prolonged exposure.

  
  

FAQ: Can You Sweat Out Alcohol in Sauna?

Does a sauna cure a hangover?

While a sauna session can help alleviate some hangover symptoms — think headaches and grumpiness — it's not a surefire cure. The best way to avoid a hangover is to limit alcohol intake and consume alcohol with fewer congeners. Still, a gentle sauna session can be a part of your recovery routine.

Can you sweat out drugs in a sauna?

Contrary to common belief, sweating in a sauna does not eliminate drugs from your system. Drugs are primarily processed in the body by the liver and kidneys, not through sweat. If you're considering alcohol detox, consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate methods.

Is heat bad for a hangover?

Excessive heat can exacerbate the symptoms of a hangover, particularly dehydration. That's why staying well-hydrated before, during, and after a sauna session is important if you're nursing a hangover. Saunas can still be beneficial when used sensibly and not for prolonged periods.

Can you take a sauna session after drinking?

Taking a sauna session right after heavy drinking is generally not recommended. Alcohol induces dehydration, and sauna use can augment this further. Also, alcohol impairs your body's ability to regulate its temperature, making a post-drink sauna potentially hazardous. It's best to wait for 12 hours after a heavy drinking session before taking a sauna. 

Can You Sweat Out Alcohol In Sauna: The Verdict

If you're still thinking that you can sweat out that extra shot of tequila or Friday night's beer frenzy in the sauna, it's not the case. Your body has a natural method for dealing with alcohol's intoxicating effects, which can take anywhere between 12 to 24 hours.

However, saunas promote relaxation, gentle perspiration, and blood circulation, which may help alleviate certain symptoms of a hangover, such as spinning head, full body exhaustion, or those dreaded beer blues.

At MySaunaWorld, we offer premium quality traditional and infrared saunas that can serve as your perfect refuge after an evening of painting the town red. For more information, call us today, and our friendly sauna specialists will help you find the best sauna for your home.