If you have ever woken up feeling tired, dehydrated or foggy after a big night out, you may be interested to learn how infrared saunas may ease hangover symptoms. Many people across Australia are now exploring natural ways to support recovery, and infrared sauna sessions are becoming a popular option. While a sauna cannot cure a hangover, it may help the body feel more balanced and relaxed by supporting natural processes that aid recovery.
This guide explains how infrared saunas work, what hangover symptoms they may help with, what to expect during a session and who may benefit most.
Understanding Hangovers
Why Hangovers Happen
A hangover is the body’s natural response to drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes dehydration, irritates the stomach lining, affects sleep quality and places stress on the liver as it works to process the alcohol. This combination leads to headaches, fatigue, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
Common Symptoms
Most people experience a few of the following symptoms after drinking:
- Dry mouth and strong thirst
- Headache or pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Feeling low or irritable
- Poor concentration
- Nausea
These symptoms usually improve on their own, but many people look for gentle ways to feel better faster.
How Infrared Saunas Work
What Makes Infrared Heat Different
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to heat the body directly instead of heating the air around you. This creates a deep warming effect that feels gentle and comfortable. The heat is soft and soothing, making it easier to stay in the sauna longer without feeling overwhelmed.
Benefits of Gentle Heat
This type of warmth can help muscles relax, ease tension and support blood flow. Because the heat reaches deeper layers of the skin and tissues, many people find infrared saunas more comfortable than traditional steam rooms.
How Infrared Saunas May Support Hangover Relief
Helping the Body Rehydrate and Recover
One of the biggest problems during a hangover is dehydration. Spending time in an infrared sauna encourages sweating, which may help the body rebalance fluids when combined with proper hydration before and after the session. Replacing lost water during the session is very important.
Supporting Circulation and Relaxation
Infrared warmth may support blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Better circulation may ease pressure headaches and muscle soreness, helping the body feel more relaxed.
Easing Stress and Tension
Hangovers often come with stress, irritability and mental fog. Infrared saunas create a calming environment that may help clear the mind. The quiet space and steady warmth provide a sense of relaxation similar to meditation.
Encouraging Better Sleep
Poor sleep is one of the main reasons hangovers feel so draining. Many people report that an infrared sauna session helps them rest better later in the day. Once the body cools down after a session, it may enter a more relaxed state that supports deeper sleep.
What to Expect During a Session
Session Length
A typical infrared sauna session lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. For hangover recovery, shorter and gentler sessions are usually enough. You should always listen to your body and avoid pushing past your comfort level.
Comfortable Temperature
Infrared saunas use lower temperatures than traditional saunas. Most sessions sit between 45 and 60 degrees. This makes it easier to stay in the sauna without feeling too hot.
Staying Hydrated
It is important to drink water before, during and after the session. Bringing a water bottle into the sauna helps keep you hydrated throughout.
Slow and Gentle Experience
A hangover is not the time for extreme heat or long sessions. A slow, gentle sauna session is far more effective and more comfortable.
Why People Are Turning to Infrared Saunas for Recovery
Natural and Non Invasive
Infrared saunas offer a natural way to support the body without medication. For people who prefer simple recovery methods, it is an appealing option.
Supports Muscle Comfort
If you feel sore or tense from a long day or night out, the warmth may help muscles loosen and feel more relaxed.
Helps Improve Overall Wellbeing
Beyond hangover symptoms, many people enjoy infrared saunas because they leave feeling refreshed and clearer in the mind. This overall sense of wellbeing can help counter the heavy feeling that often comes with a hangover.
Safety and Precautions
Listen to Your Body
If you feel lightheaded or unwell, you should end the session immediately. Hangovers already make the body more sensitive, so gentle use is key.
Avoid If You Are Very Dehydrated
If you are extremely dehydrated or feeling faint, it is better to rest and drink water first. Once you feel steadier, you can consider a session.
Not Suitable for Everyone
People with certain medical conditions should check with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna. Pregnancy, heart conditions and heat sensitive illnesses may require additional care.
Tips for a Better Hangover Sauna Session
Drink Water Before You Start
Entering a sauna dehydrated will make symptoms worse. A full glass of water before your session is helpful.
Keep the Temperature Moderate
You do not need high heat. A comfortable temperature encourages a calm and steady session.
Bring a Cold Towel
A cool towel on your forehead or neck can help regulate body temperature.
Rest After Your Session
Plan a quiet space to relax once you finish. The body recovers best when allowed to cool down slowly.
Eat Something Light
A small meal with simple ingredients can help stabilise your energy levels.
Other Natural Ways to Support Hangover Relief
Coconut Water or Electrolytes
These help restore minerals lost during drinking and sweating.
Light Movement
A gentle walk can increase circulation and help clear your mind.
Fresh Air
Sitting outside or opening windows can reduce nausea and head pressure.
Nutritious Food
Simple meals such as fruit, toast or soups help settle the stomach.
Conclusion
Infrared saunas are not a quick cure for a hangover, but they may help the body feel more balanced and relaxed. When you take time to learn how infrared saunas may ease hangover symptoms, you discover that gentle heat, improved circulation, hydration support and relaxation all play a role in making the day after drinking more comfortable.
A calm sauna session paired with water, rest and simple care can help ease many common symptoms such as tension, tiredness and muscle discomfort. With proper use and awareness of your body’s needs, an infrared sauna can be a helpful part of your recovery routine.