Are Saunas Good for Hangovers?

Woke up feeling like you partied with pirates? You’re not alone.
Some folks swear by a sweaty escape in their sauna the morning after. Maybe you've heard about that mate who hides in an indoor sauna hangover hut, or your gym buddy who insists their outdoor sauna detox is the holy grail.
Short answer? Kind of—but don’t throw your hangover hopes into the steam just yet. Let’s dive in and see what’s science, and what’s steamy wishful thinking.

Sauna for a Hangover: Cure or Dangerous Myth?

Why Hangovers Make You Feel Bad (Dehydration is Key)

Ever feel like your brain’s been stuffed with cotton after a night of heavy drinking?
That’s dehydration talking. Alcohol is sneaky—it makes you pee more, stripping your body of water and essential electrolytes. This is why your head pounds, your stomach flips, and your mouth feels like sandpaper.
You’re running on empty, and your body’s desperate for a refill.

The Flawed Logic of "Sweating Out" Alcohol

Plenty of people rush to the sauna, convinced they can "sweat out" last night’s sins.
You might even have a mate who claims their outdoor sauna sweat session is the perfect fix.
But here’s the truth bomb—your pores aren’t magic alcohol exits. Once booze hits your system, your liver’s the one doing the hard graft. Sure, you might feel cleansed after a steamy session, but science says otherwise.

Top Reasons to Avoid the Sauna When Hungover

Risk #1: Worsening Dangerous Dehydration

Already feel like a raisin? Adding sauna heat is like turning on a hairdryer inside your body.
The intense heat ramps up your sweat game, draining what little fluids you have left.
This can lead to dizziness, headaches, or even fainting spells.
Not exactly the recovery glow-up you were hoping for.

Risk #2: Increased Strain on Your Heart and Circulation

Hungover hearts are already stressed. Throwing yourself into a sauna cranks up that pressure.
Heat makes your blood vessels widen, which sounds good, but it also forces your heart to work harder.
This can spike your heart rate and make you feel even more wiped out.
Not ideal when your body’s begging for TLC, not more punishment.

Risk #3: Potentially Making Symptoms (Headache, Nausea) Worse

That throbbing headache?
Sauna heat can make it go from bad to brutal.
Toss in nausea and that delightful rollercoaster feeling, and suddenly your relaxing spa plan turns into a queasy nightmare.
Not the luxury escape you imagined.

Does Sweating Actually Remove Alcohol or Toxins?

Your Liver Does the Heavy Lifting, Not Your Pores

Let’s bust this myth wide open.
Less than 10% of alcohol leaves your body via sweat, breath, or bathroom breaks. The rest? That’s all on your liver, working overtime to process the poison.
So, whether you hide in your cosy indoor sauna hideout or brave the great outdoors in your backyard sauna retreat, the results are the same.
Sweat can’t fast-forward your hangover recovery. Sorry, friend.

Smarter Hangover Recovery Strategies

Rehydrate Effectively (Water, Electrolytes)

Want to feel human again? Start with water—and lots of it.
Better yet, add electrolytes to the mix. Think sports drinks, coconut water, or those fizzy tablets from the pharmacy aisle.
They help balance your system and get you back on your feet faster.

Rest, Gentle Nutrition, and Time

Sometimes the oldest advice is still the best—rest, eat something gentle like bananas or toast, and let your body heal at its own pace.
Your body’s running on empty and needs time to bounce back.
Skip the gimmicks.
Let sleep, snacks, and a calm day work their magic.

Conclusion: Save the Sauna for When You're Feeling Well

Here’s the bottom line. Saunas are fantastic when you're feeling fresh.
A soothing session in your indoor sauna setup or embracing the crisp air of an outdoor sauna adventure can do wonders for stress or sore muscles.
But on a hangover day? Not the best plan.
You’ll feel better sticking to water, rest, and self-care. And maybe—just maybe—next time, skip that third tequila shot.