Hangovers are an unfortunate reality for many of us who enjoy a night out with friends or a few drinks after work. Symptoms like headache, fatigue, and muscle aches can make it difficult to function the next day. While there are many remedies out there for relieving hangover symptoms, sauna use is one that has gained popularity in recent years.
But is it safe to use sauna for hangovers? The short answer is that it depends on a few factors and requires a bit of nuance.
In this article, we’ll delve into the effects of alcohol on the body, the potential benefits and risks of using sauna for hangovers, and provide some recommendations for those who are considering using sauna as a hangover remedy.
What is a Hangover and What Causes It?
A hangover is the collection of unpleasant symptoms that can occur after heavy alcohol consumption. These symptoms can include headache, fatigue, thirst, nausea, and muscle aches, among others.
But what exactly causes these unpleasant symptoms? When we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolize it into a substance called acetaldehyde, which is then further broken down into acetate. It’s the acetaldehyde that is responsible for many of the negative effects of alcohol, including hangovers.
Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance that can cause inflammation and damage to cells in the body. It also interferes with the normal functioning of enzymes in the liver, which can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and dehydration. This can explain many of the symptoms of a hangover, such as headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol can have a number of negative effects on the body, especially when consumed in large amounts. One of the most well-known effects is its impact on blood pressure.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes and widens the blood vessels. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which can be especially dangerous for those who already have low blood pressure or are taking medications to lower their blood pressure.
In addition to its effects on blood pressure, alcohol can also increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms. This is because alcohol can interfere with the normal electrical signaling in the heart and alter the balance of electrolytes in the body.
A hangover can exacerbate these effects of alcohol on the body. The dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that occur during a hangover can further increase the risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up from a lying or sitting position. This can lead to faintness and even falls or accidents.
The hangover phase can also increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to the enhanced adrenergic activity that occurs during this time. Adrenergic activity refers to the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. During a hangover, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, which can lead to an increased risk of arrhythmias.
Sauna Use and Its Potential Benefits for Hangovers
So, if alcohol and hangovers can have such negative effects on the body, is it a good idea to use sauna for hangovers? While there is some evidence to suggest that sauna use can be beneficial for relieving hangover symptoms, it’s important to consider both the potential benefits and risks.
One potential benefit of using sauna for hangovers is that it can help alleviate muscle aches and fatigue. The heat of the sauna can increase blood flow to the muscles and promote relaxation, which can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.
Sauna use can also improve circulation and lower blood pressure, which can be helpful for those experiencing the negative effects of alcohol on blood pressure. However, it’s important to note that the vasodilating effects of alcohol and the vasoconstricting effects of heat can cancel each other out, so the blood pressure-lowering effects of sauna may be less pronounced in individuals who have consumed alcohol.
Risks of Using Sauna for Hangover
While sauna use may have some potential benefits for relieving hangover symptoms, it’s important to consider the risks as well. One of the main risks of using sauna for hangovers is the increased risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction and faintings.
As mentioned earlier, the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that occur during a hangover can increase the risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction, and the heat of the sauna can further exacerbate this risk. The combination of alcohol intoxication, hangover, and sauna use can create a perfect storm for faintings and accidents.
In addition to the increased risk of faintings, sauna use during a hangover can also increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to the enhanced adrenergic activity that occurs during this time. The combination of alcohol intoxication, hangover, and sauna use can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Recommendations for Sauna Use During Hangovers
So, is it safe to use sauna for hangovers? The answer is that it depends on your level of experience with sauna use and your familiarity with your own body’s limits.
If you are an experienced sauna user and know your body well, it may be okay to use sauna for feeling better when in a hangover. However, it’s important to listen to your body and stop immediately if you start to feel faint or experience any other concerning symptoms.
On the other hand, if you are a sauna newbie, it’s best to avoid sauna use during a hangover. The combination of alcohol intoxication, hangover, and sauna use can create real health risks, especially for those who are not familiar with their own body’s limits.
It’s also important to keep in mind that sauna use is not a substitute for proper hydration and electrolyte balance. If you are experiencing a hangover, it’s important to replenish fluids and electrolytes to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using sauna for hangovers can have potential benefits for relieving symptoms like muscle aches and fatigue. However, it’s important to consider the risks, especially the increased risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction and faintings, as well as the potential for worsening cardiac arrhythmias.
If you are an experienced sauna user and know your body well, it may be okay to use sauna for hangovers. However, if you are a sauna newbie, it’s best to avoid sauna use during a hangover. It’s always important to listen to your body and pay attention to any concerning symptoms, and to prioritize proper hydration and electrolyte balance to help alleviate hangover symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about saunas & hangover
Is it safe to use sauna for hangovers?
The safety of using sauna for hangovers depends on a number of factors, including your level of experience with sauna use and your familiarity with your own body’s limits. It’s important to consider the potential risks, such as the increased risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction and faintings, as well as the potential for worsening cardiac arrhythmias.
Can sauna use help alleviate hangover symptoms?
Sauna use may have the potential to alleviate hangover symptoms like muscle aches and fatigue by increasing blood flow to the muscles and promoting relaxation. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks and to listen to your body for any concerning symptoms.
Does sauna use have any risks if I’m hangover?
Sauna use during a hangover can increase the risk of an orthostatic hypotensive reaction and faintings, as well as the potential for worsening cardiac arrhythmias due to enhanced adrenergic activity. It’s important to consider these risks and to listen to your body for any concerning symptoms.
Is it okay to use sauna for hangovers if I am a sauna newbie?
If you are a sauna newbie or inexperienced with sauna use, it’s best to avoid using sauna for hangovers. The combination of alcohol intoxication, hangover, and sauna use can create real health risks, especially for those who are not familiar with their own body’s limits.
Can sauna use help improve circulation and lower blood pressure during a hangover?
Sauna use may have the potential to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. However, it’s important to note that the vasodilating effects of alcohol and the vasoconstricting effects of heat can cancel each other out, so the blood pressure-lowering effects of sauna may be less pronounced in individuals who have consumed alcohol.
Is it necessary to replenish fluids and electrolytes while using sauna for hangovers?
It is important to replenish fluids and electrolytes to help alleviate hangover symptoms and prevent further complications. Sauna use is not a substitute for proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
Can sauna use worsen cardiac arrhythmias or increase the risk of faintings during a hangover?
Sauna use during a hangover can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to enhanced adrenergic activity and the risk of faintings due to the combination of alcohol intoxication, hangover, and sauna use. It’s important to consider these risks and to listen to your body for any concerning symptoms.
Are there any other potential risks or benefits of using sauna for hangovers that I should be aware of?
In addition to the potential benefits and risks mentioned above, it’s important to consider your own individual health and any medications or conditions you may have. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using sauna for hangovers or any other purpose.