Have you ever found yourself regretting those extra drinks from the night before as you desperately search for a hangover cure the next day?
It seems like we've all been there, turning to anything from traditional remedies like a soothing mix of ginger, brown sugar, and tangerine to more unconventional methods such as snacking on greasy bacon sandwiches or daringly downing a raw egg martini in hopes of feeling better.
Now, amidst all these attempts to banish the unbearable aftermath of a night out, one question arises - can taking a trip to the sauna, like a visit to Sun Ray Saunas, truly help eliminate the lingering effects of alcohol and rejuvenate your body, or is it merely a myth in the vast sea of hangover solutions?
What Is A Hangover?
Ever woken up feeling like your body's been through a wringer after a night of too much fun? That's what adults call a hangover.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism say a hangover happens because you drank more than your body can handle.
When you have a hangover, it's like your whole body is complaining. You might feel super tired, weak, and thirsty. Hungover symptoms can also include a headache, dizziness, stomach pain or nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even feelings of anxiety or depression.
Benefits of Sauna Use
Here are some of the top benefits of sauna use, explained for clarity and insight:
- Relaxation - Saunas excel in their ability to relax its users. The heat prompts an increase in heart rate and improves blood flow to the skin. This not only makes you more alert but also lessens sensitivity to pain. Muscles relax in the heat, promoting an overall sensation of calm. When combined with meditation, sauna sessions can enhance feelings of relaxation, elevate mood, and improve sleep quality.
- Pain Relief - The dry heat of a sauna can invigorate you and provide relief to aching joints and muscles by boosting circulation. While it's believed to offer benefits for conditions like arthritis, the effect can vary from person to person. Trying it multiple times may be a good way to determine its impact on your specific pains.
- Cardiovascular Health - Regular sauna bathing might reduce stress levels and potentially lower the risk of heart-related illnesses. A Finnish study observed that frequent sauna users had a decreased risk of death from cardiac diseases. Visiting the sauna regularly was associated with reduced blood pressure and enhanced heart function.
- Potential Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s - Long-term studies from Finland have drawn connections between regular sauna use and a diminished risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Individuals using the sauna 2-3 times a week were seen to have a 22% reduced risk of dementia, while those attending 4-7 times a week exhibited a staggering 66% lower risk.
Can Sauna Use Help You With a Hangover?
You might have heard that saunas can cure almost anything, including the infamous hangover. But how true is this? Well, it turns out that the idea of saunas being the ultimate hangover fix might not be entirely accurate.
Research, including a significant study found on PubMed, has looked into the effects of hitting the sauna after a night of drinking. Interestingly, this study showed that a sauna session could lower your systolic blood pressure if you've been drinking. However, contrary to popular belief, saunas don't cause dangerous heart rhythms or major shifts in your body's levels of potassium, calcium, and cortisol. But, they can up your chances of feeling faint because of low blood pressure.
The Mayo Clinic Health System points out that if you often drink too much, over time, you could end up with serious liver problems like fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis, or cirrhosis. Saunas aren't a magic solution that can cleanse your system of alcohol or its leftovers. Yet, they play a role in supporting liver health by encouraging your body to sweat out toxins, allowing your liver to handle the kind of toxins it's best at dealing with.
When you're hungover, your heart is already under strain from the alcohol, which can cause irregular heartbeats. Since sauna sessions make your heart beat faster, putting these two together might make you feel woozy, short of breath, have chest pain, or even faint, according to UCLA Health.
Additionally, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism highlights that alcohol has a serious effect on the brain, which affects coordination, memory, speech, and judgment, raising the risk of injuries and other negative health outcomes. The National Library of Medicine has also pointed out that mixing saunas and alcohol can lead to more minor injuries like sprains and burns.
To dodge these issues, it's best to kick off your "morning after" with a substantial breakfast and lots of water. Consider a sauna session only after your body has had ample time to rebound from the night's festivities.
Why Not Use A Sauna When Hungover
Now that we know a hangover makes your body super sensitive, you've got to be extra careful about how you choose to recover. Here's the thing – alcohol messes with your heart rhythm, making it beat in an unusual way. And when you step into a sauna, your heart rate naturally goes up because of the heat. Put these two together when you're hungover, and you're on a fast track to feeling dizzy, short of breath, or even getting chest pains. Worst case scenario? You might faint.
On top of this, saunas make you sweat a lot. That's usually a good thing, but not when your body's already low on water from drinking too much. The risk of dehydration skyrockets, which is definitely not what you need when you're trying to bounce back from a night out.
Instead of rushing to the sauna, it's smarter to refuel with a hearty breakfast and hydrate by drinking lots of water. Only think about hitting the sauna when you're starting to feel like yourself again - and maybe keep it shorter than usual.
Read More: How Sauna Use Can Strengthen Your Immune System
Safety Precautions For Sauna Use
For those who have recently consumed alcohol, it's important to understand that being under the influence presents a significant contraindication to sauna use.
To enjoy a safe and beneficial sauna experience, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol before, during, and after your sauna session to prevent any negative interactions and enhance your body's ability to benefit from the heat.
- Limit Your Time: Keep sessions brief, ideally between 15-20 minutes, to avoid overheating and to ensure your body can comfortably handle the sauna temperature change.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to prevent dehydration, especially since the body loses significant fluids through sweating.
- Remove Jewelry and Dress Appropriately: Jewelry can become hot and cause burns, and appropriate sauna attire can enhance your comfort level.
- Rest Afterward: Allow your body time to adjust and regulate itself after a sauna session by resting for a period of time.
- Cool Shower: After your sauna, take a cool shower to wash away sweat and any toxins that have been released through your skin.
The medical community generally regards sauna use as safe for many individuals, including those with certain health issues or mobility challenges. However, there are potential short-term adverse effects to be aware of.
Individuals with conditions such as a weakened immune system, open wounds, heart conditions, mobility issues, and neurological deficits, as well as those who are pregnant, nursing, or elderly, should seek approval from a medical professional before using a sauna.
Remember, while saunas offer numerous health benefits, it’s essential to approach their use with caution and respect for your body’s limits, especially when it comes to mixing sauna use and alcohol consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sweating get alcohol out of your system?
Sweating does not effectively remove alcohol from your system because once alcohol enters your bloodstream, it's mainly broken down by a liver enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Ways your body gets rid of alcohol include processing it through your liver and then exiting your body through urine, sweat, and breath. Remember, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep won't make this process go any faster.
Do saunas detox the liver?
While saunas might not directly detox your liver, they still help your body in its natural detox processes. Relaxing in an infrared sauna can be a soothing experience that supports your overall health and wellness.
What alcohol is good to drink in a sauna?
When in a sauna, Finns often favor spirits like Koskenkorva and Jaloviina. Besides, choices like beer, long drinks, and even sparkling or still water are popular for enhancing the sauna experience.
The Takeaway: Can You Sweat Out Alcohol In Sauna
The truth is, no matter how much we wish it, you can't just sweat out last night's alcohol party in a sauna. Sure, your body has its way of dealing with the after-effects of drinking, which usually takes about 12 to 24 hours, but a sauna won't speed that up.
However, that's not to say saunas aren't fantastic for other reasons. They're super for helping you relax, promoting gentle sweat-out sessions, and getting your blood flowing better, which can help with some symptoms of a hangover. Things like feeling dizzy, being super tired, or dealing with those unpleasant feelings after too many drinks might feel a bit better after a sauna session.
At CalmSpas, we've got a great selection of both traditional and infrared saunas. They could be your go-to spot for chilling out after a fun night out.
If you're interested in making your home a little more relaxing, feel free to contact us.