Saunas are meant for relaxation, and therefore it shouldn’t leave you with a pounding headache. However, these headaches are very common among beginners and even experienced users.
Occasional feel of discomfort after a session is normal and expected, and there’s nothing much to worry about. Here are some tips and information on how to tackle this problem.
Before trying to fix or prevent, it’s best to understand the causes so it’s easier for us to understand how or what is happening to our body. The most common cause is dehydration. During sauna sessions, the body loses water faster than it can replace in your head. So the usual and most common fix among all is to DRINK WATER.
Another cause is the pressure inside the head. Breathing hot and dry air can create pressure in the head. In very dry saunas, people find relief by pouring water to the stones for a softer and to increase humidity in the air. It makes breathing easier and eases the pressure on our heads.
Another probable cause is simply the temperature shock. Going from intense heat to cold too fast without a good transition can cause the said shock. One way to avoid this is to cool down gently, take it easy and never rush the process.
Most sauna headaches aren’t serious, it’s just your body’s call for balance. Enough hydration, shorter sessions, proper bench choice, and an easy cooldown can easily help you avoid these causes of headache. Saunas are about calming, restorative, and headache free. Listen to your body, and pace well for a great and relaxing sauna.
