Should I Sauna If I’m Hungover?

You’ve got a pounding head, and then - lightbulb moment (ouch)! “A sauna will fix this!” you think. But not so fast. After a big night out, it’s tempting to find a quick cure for feeling like a goblin. Yet, on a very bad hangover, a sauna can do more harm than good.

Mild Hangover?

Here’s a caveat: if it’s just a mild hangover, a short sauna session might still be on the cards. The soothing heat and a cold plunge could help ease those sore muscles. Just be sure to listen to your body and stay hydrated.

But if you're feeling really rough, here’s why it might not be the best idea!

Dehydration

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water through urine, which is why you feel so awful the next day. The classic hangover symptoms - headache, fatigue, and dry mouth - are largely due to dehydration. When you add more fluid loss by sweating it out in the sauna, you’re only making things worse. Instead of feeling refreshed, you could end up light-headed and more dehydrated than before.

Increased Risk of Heat Exhaustion

Your ability to regulate body temperature is affected because of said dehydration, and sweating in the sauna only adds to the strain. Your body may struggle to cool down properly, especially when it's already compromised from a hangover, making it easier to overheat and putting extra pressure on your cardiovascular system.

Blood Pressure and Heart Risks

Hangovers can mess with your blood pressure, causing temporary spikes or drops as your body works to metabolise the alcohol. Using a sauna when you're hungover can be risky. The heat makes your blood vessels dilate, lowering blood pressure even further, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, or cardiovascular strain.

It’s a Myth 

Contrary to popular belief, sitting in a sauna won’t help you sweat out alcohol. Alcohol is processed primarily by the liver, and only a tiny fraction is eliminated through sweat, urine, or breath. The liver metabolises alcohol at a constant rate, and no amount of sweating or exercising can accelerate this process.

While the sauna may help clear your skin pores through sweat, it won’t remove alcohol from your bloodstream any faster. In fact, spending time in a sauna while your body is metabolising alcohol could add stress to your liver, which is already working overtime. 

So, What Should You Do Instead?

For those who have had a particularly heavy night, the best remedy is rest, rehydration, and a nutrient-rich meal. Drink water, or better yet, an electrolyte-rich drink to replace what you’ve lost. Save the sauna for when you're fully recovered, and you'll enjoy its benefits without any of the risks.

In short: the sauna can be a fantastic wellness tool, but timing is everything. If you're very hungover, it’s better to wait until you’re feeling back to normal before paying us a visit.