Cold Plunges for Hangover Relief: Easing Symptoms and Restoring Vitality

A hangover is the body’s adaptable response to excess alcohol consumption. The core symptoms of hangovers include fatigue, nausea, poor sleep quality, and headaches. Factors contributing to these symptoms range from poor blood circulation to the generation of harmful byproducts such as acetaldehyde, inflammation, and dehydration.

Some researchers have revealed that exposure to cold water can help alleviate the symptoms of hangovers. So, can you use cold plunges to cure a hangover? Read on to discover the potential benefits of cold-water immersion, which can help ease hangover symptoms and restore vitality. 

·       Alleviating Headaches

Headaches are some of the common signs of hangovers resulting from vasodilation and dehydration. Cold plunge tub provide a cooling effect, constricting blood vessels and temporarily relieving headache pain. One study showed that applying ice-cold water to the neck relieved migraine pain. Further studies revealed that cold plunging resulted in vasoconstriction before triggering redilation. The narrowing of blood vessels is responsible for relieving headaches resulting from hangovers. 

·       Reduces Inflammation

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation in the body. This is where cold plunging comes in. Researchers have studied cold therapy for years to determine its impact on lowering inflammation. One study revealed that cold water immersion significantly lowered the signs of inflammation by reducing blood flow to the specific inflamed area. Reducing inflammation can help reduce the symptoms of hangover. 

·       Regulating Mood

Cold therapy triggers the production of endorphins and dopamine by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, cold water immersion has been used as a possible treatment for depression. Exposure to cold water also increases the body's norepinephrine, catecholamines, and epinephrine levels. Catecholamines have been linked to regulating mood, especially for people with sleep deprivation, especially when experiencing a hangover. 

·       Reducing Fatigue

While alcohol can help you fall asleep initially, it interferes with regular sleep cycles, leaving you feeling weary the following day. Immersing yourself in cold water can help counter hangover fatigue by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and discharging hormones such as noradrenaline, adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine.

Noradrenaline and adrenaline are discharged into the body, increasing glucose production to provide energy, alertness, and blood flow. Endorphins and dopamines can help improve mood and block pain. Experts believe that adrenaline and noradrenaline can indirectly support alcohol metabolism. Further, these hormones can optimize alcohol metabolism by enhancing alcohol delivery, providing alternative energy sources, and increasing the function of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in the liver. 

·       Improves Sleep

When you’re experiencing a hangover, you’ll likely struggle to sleep. Studies suggest cold water immersion can minimize limb movements and arousal to improve slow-wave sleep. Cold water cools down your body's core temperature, helping you sleep better. Taking a dip in cold water can boost your melatonin, the hormone responsible for putting you to sleep while helping you maintain a regular sleep pattern. 

·       Eases Nausea

Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate your guts and stomach. Alcohol increases stomach acid, slowing down your stomach’s ability to empty. This results in inflammation in the guts and stomach, which, when combined with dehydration, signals the brain, making you nauseous. One study suggests that cold plunging activates the vagus nerve, which plays a core role in body functions such as digestion.

Stimulating the vagus nerve helps settle the stomach. Moreover, immersing yourself in cold water distracts you from feeling nauseous and helps you relax. Cold therapy can ease nausea emanating from factors that trigger inflammation.

Activating the Immune System

Drinking alcohol can weaken the immune system, interfering with the body’s ability to battle off infections and increasing your risk of becoming sick. However, exposure to cold water can enable the body to fight off illness. Studies on regular cold plunging enthusiasts revealed stronger immunity, demonstrating lesser upper respiratory infections.

Experts opine that cold water exposure can increase leukocytes or white blood cells, which are critical for fighting disease. The combined benefits of cold plunging can boost the recovery of your immune system when hungover. 

·       Improving Circulation

When you expose yourself to cold water, blood vessels narrow down, improving circulation while oxygenating your tissues and helping relieve hangover symptoms.

·       Boosts Metabolism

Alcohol can slow down your metabolism as the body works on eliminating the alcohol from your system instead of burning sugar or fat. This can lead to weight gain since the body doesn’t burn calories as it should. In this case, cold plunges can help accelerate your metabolism.

When you immerse yourself in cold water, your body works harder to generate warmth, which involves burning more calories. This helps the body manage sugar better, preventing lifestyle diseases like diabetes. Exposure to cold water increases the body's energy, enabling it to control blood sugar better and improve insulin management. 

Ice Bathing Risks to Watch out for when Hungover

Before adopting cold plunges to relieve hangover symptoms, it’s important to beware of the risks involved. These include:

·       Hypothermia: Consuming alcohol can lead to reduced body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia upon exposure to cold water. Avoid cold plunges while intoxicated.

Dehydration: The vasoconstriction resulting from cold water exposure can put more pressure on the cardiovascular system, which may result in sweating and excessive dehydration. Ensure you’re well hydrated before immersing yourself in cold water. 

Balance problems: Hangovers often lead to impaired coordination and dizziness, which increases the danger of slipping, falling, or drowning in a cold plunge.

Severe headache: Immersing yourself in cold water could worsen headaches, one of the symptoms of hangovers. Exercise caution during your cold plunging session, especially when you are hungover because cold plunges can cool you drastically. If your headache worsens or you start experiencing chest pain, muscle cramps, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, leave the cold plunge immediately. 

Alternative Methods for Hangover Relief

Avoiding alcohol is the best solution. But if you drink alcohol, here are alternative methods to consider instead of cold plunging.

·       Drink Fluids

If your hangover symptoms include vomiting, sweating, and diarrhoea, your chances of dehydration are high. While nausea may prevent you from drinking fluids, taking a few sips of water can go a long way in helping you stay hydrated. 

·       Drink Tea or Coffee

While caffeine may not significantly impact your hangover, its stimulant properties can help you manage the grogginess. However, do not mix alcohol and caffeine because the latter can disguise the depressant impact of alcohol, making alcohol drinkers feel more alert than is the case. 

·       Consume Complex Carbohydrates

Alcohol consumption can lower your blood sugar levels, leading to headaches and fatigue as the brain overworks without sufficient fuel. Sometimes, people who drink forget to eat, lowering their blood sugar further. A complex carbohydrate-rich complex can help replenish your energy.

Finally

While cold plunging is not a remedy for hangovers, research has revealed that it can relieve symptoms, restore vitality, helping you rest and recover. Always take the necessary precautions to stay safe while cold plunging. Never get into the cold plunge while under the influence of alcohol because alcohol reduces your body’s core temperature, resulting in the risk of hypothermia.