Key Takeaways
· Saunas are often believed to help cure hangovers, with traditions like those in Finland including both sauna use and cold plunges as post-drinking rituals.
· Using a sauna while intoxicated or too soon after drinking may aggravate dehydration and other hangover side effects, increasing risks of fainting, blood pressure irregularities, and heart issues.
· Infrared sauna health benefits do include boosted immunity and skin improvements, but safety precautions are essential. Proper hydration and not using the sauna when feeling drunk are strongly advised.
· When used responsibly, a sauna can help you recover lingering side effects like headaches or sluggishness and restore skin hydration, but it should not be seen as a quick fix for alcohol-induced symptoms.
There's an ongoing debate online on whether saunas can cure hangovers. But is there any truth to this, or is it just a myth? If you're having a eureka moment and already thinking of inviting friends over to your place to help you "clean your liquor cabinet," we say hold your horses!
Check out this blog first to find out if saunas are a quick fix for hangovers.
Sauna for Hangover- Where Did That Come From?
Finnish people swear by saunas as an antidote for hangovers. According to an article by Vice, they kill hangovers by going to traditional saunas where they take off all their clothes and expose themselves to extreme temperatures. First the hellish ones of a sauna followed by a cold plunge to freezing cold waters or rolling your body in the snow several times.
But interestingly, they don't just go to the sauna to remedy a hangover from a drinking spree the night before; Fins also have a tradition of enjoying a drink or two while inside the sauna, which they say makes beer taste even better.
If you’re considering creating your own home ritual, a luxury home sauna can offer the same relaxing post-social experience, plus comfort and precise temperature control for a safer, more enjoyable recovery.
Does Sauna Help with Hangover?
Despite the many proven astounding health benefits of infrared saunas , including boosted immunity and optimal skin health, directly curing hangover symptoms isn't one of them. In addition, there is no justifiable scientific evidence that sauna use can sweat out or detoxify toxins from alcohol consumption.
On the contrary, a study suggests it may be wiser to skip using a sauna when intoxicated to avoid minor alcohol-related injuries like sprains or head contusions. But aside from that, it may also aggravate dehydration and other hangover symptoms due to the intense heat from saunas, which may lead to:
· Fainting spells
· Irregularities in blood pressure
· Cardiac arrhythmia
For those building their own wellness space, home sauna installation can provide an integrated environment that allows for post-hangover recovery at your own pace and fully under your control.
How to Use a Sauna to Feel Better After
In summary, if you're not Finnish, forget about using a sauna to escape hangovers.
But although it cannot make hangovers magically disappear, sweating it out can be an effective strategy to make you feel better again and get you back on the right track. It helps remove lingering side effects like headaches, sluggishness, or a heavy or light-headed feeling. Furthermore, spending a few minutes in the sauna can give you back that healthy glow and reverse skin dehydration due to alcohol use.
For even more customizable recovery, find a full-spectrum infrared sauna for sale for flexible temperature options and optimal wellness sessions, especially after taxing your system.
Follow these sauna tips for the best results:
· Do not use a sauna before or after drinking alcohol or if you still feel drunk the next day. Wait until you can stand and support yourself steadily.
· Hydrate: drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session.
· Go easy on the heat. Don't hesitate to step out of the sauna when you feel uncomfortable. How long you stay in a sauna can vary, but for most people, 15 to 20 minutes per session is already enough.
If you want a smoother session with hangover-sensitive comfort, invest in sauna accessories like headrests, cooling towels, and water bottles to help maintain hydration and comfort.
Elizabeth Shields of Deluxe Maid is an experienced author of online articles for various blog posts. She is passionate about parenting, home improvement, wellness, and sustainability topics. She is a married mother of two living in Indianapolis and apart from writing, enjoys spending her time with her family and friends.
Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.
If your living situation is more compact or you want a portable option, an infrared sauna 1-person model delivers the heat therapy you need for recovery—right at home or even when traveling.
If you're thinking about buying a sauna for your home, be sure to check out our collections. Sun Home Saunas offers a wide range of saunas, including infrared saunas and traditional saunas as well as infrared blankets.
FAQs
Can infrared sauna benefits detox really help with alcohol hangover?
While infrared saunas can support overall wellness and recovery, there is no scientific proof that sweating in a sauna accelerates alcohol elimination from the body or cures hangovers.
Is it safe to use a sauna immediately after drinking alcohol?
No, it is not recommended to use a sauna before or after drinking alcohol, or when you still feel drunk, as intense heat can worsen dehydration and lead to accidents or health complications.
How long should you wait before using a sauna following alcohol intake?
You should wait until you feel fully sober and steady on your feet before entering a sauna. Prioritizing hydration and monitoring your body’s response is crucial for safety.
Are there alternative infrared sauna health benefits that support recovery after drinking?
Yes, infrared sauna health benefits such as improved circulation, immunity, and skin hydration can help you recover from lingering non-alcohol-related symptoms after a night out.
What steps should be taken for a safer sauna experience post-party?
Hydrate thoroughly before, during, and after your sauna session. Limit your time to 15–20 minutes, listen to your body’s signals, and step out if you feel uncomfortable for the safest approach to enjoyment.
