Is a Sauna Good for a Hangover?

After a big night out, many of us have looked for ways to ease a hangover. One remedy that’s often talked about is sweating it out in a sauna. However, is a sauna good for a hangover, or is this just another wellness myth? While saunas won’t flush alcohol from your system directly, they may offer several indirect benefits that help you feel better sooner. Let’s explore what really happens when you visit a sauna while hungover and how to approach it safely.

The Myth of Sweating Out a Hangover

There’s a long-standing belief that you can sweat out alcohol, but that’s not quite accurate. The liver processes more than 90% of the alcohol in your system, with only a small portion excreted through sweat, breath, and urine. While a sauna may make you feel like you’re purging toxins, it’s not a shortcut to sobriety. That said, saunas for hangovers may still be useful, not because they remove alcohol but because they can ease other symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, and dehydration when used correctly.

Potential Benefits of Using a Sauna for Hangover Relief

Saunas, particularly traditional and infrared types, offer a range of benefits that can be helpful during hangover recovery. These effects don’t eliminate alcohol but can improve how you feel while your body does the work.

Boosting Detoxification Through Sweat

Although sweating doesn’t significantly reduce blood alcohol content, it can help clear other metabolic by-products that contribute to feelings of sluggishness. Infrared and traditional saunas increase body temperature, encouraging profuse sweating. This may help clear your pores, improve skin tone, and leave you feeling lighter and more refreshed. For some, that’s a much-needed boost during a hangover.

Improving Blood Circulation for Faster Recovery

One of the core benefits of sauna use is improved blood circulation. Increased blood flow supports oxygen delivery and metabolic waste removal, which can be beneficial if you’re feeling heavy or sore. Alternating between sauna and cold therapy, like a cold plunge, has been shown to create a circulatory pumping effect. This effect may help flush out by-products that leave you feeling drained.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction Effects

Feeling anxious or emotionally flat after drinking? That’s normal. Saunas can help regulate mood through endorphin release and relaxation of the nervous system. Traditional and steam rooms also promote muscle relaxation and help reduce tension. These calming effects can ease some of the stress and discomfort that follow a night of drinking.

How to Use a Sauna Safely When Hungover

Using a sauna when hungover can be beneficial, but it comes with some safety considerations. Dehydration and fatigue can increase your risk of lightheadedness or dizziness, so it’s important to use good judgment. It’s always best to take things slowly, especially if it’s your first time combining sauna use with hangover symptoms.

Check Your Health Before Entering

If you have cardiovascular issues or are feeling extremely weak or dehydrated, it’s best to skip the sauna. Your body is already under stress from processing alcohol, so adding heat exposure without proper hydration and rest may do more harm than good.

If you’re unsure, speak with a health professional or one of our trained team members at the studio before your session. We always recommend erring on the side of caution.

Moderation: How Long Should You Stay In?

Keep sessions short, no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. If you’re new to saunas or feeling especially fatigued, even five minutes can be enough. Listen to your body, and take breaks between rounds. Step out immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell.

Hydration: The Key to a Safe Sauna Session

Alcohol dehydrates the body, and saunas amplify fluid loss through sweating. Drink water before, during (if possible), and after your session. Consider adding electrolytes if you’ve had a particularly heavy night.

Bringing a water bottle into the sauna and regularly sipping from it is highly recommended. At our studios, we always provide access to water stations to support this.

What to Wear for Maximum Comfort

Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or a towel wrap are ideal. You want to stay comfortable while allowing your skin to breathe and sweat freely.

Wearing too much can trap heat and make the session uncomfortable. Minimal clothing or a clean towel wrap tends to be best for airflow and temperature control.

Cooling Down Properly After Your Session

Let your body cool down gradually. You can do this by stepping into a cool room, taking a lukewarm shower, or trying a brief cold plunge, a practice shown to refresh the system and help reduce lingering inflammation or fatigue.

The contrast between heat and cold can boost alertness and revitalise your senses. At RCVRI, many guests enjoy alternating between our traditional saunas and cold water therapy to enhance overall recovery.

Should You Use a Sauna for Hangover Recovery?

So, is a sauna good for a hangover? It can be as long as it’s used sensibly. While it won’t eliminate alcohol from your body, it may ease the discomforts that come with a hangover. Improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and mood support are all potential benefits. Just be mindful of hydration and listen to how your body feels.

Experience Saunas in RCVRI

If you’re looking to try traditional or infrared saunas as part of your recovery, we invite you to visit us at RCVRI. Our studios across Coogee, Cronulla, Manly, Martin Place, and the CBD offer world-class recovery modalities, including sauna, steam room, and contrast therapy options. Book now, and let us help you turn hangover relief into a regular, revitalising ritual.