Does a Shower Help a Hangover
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In The Shipping News, author Annie Proulx describes a character dealing with hangover symptoms in the traditional way: “At least he could turn on the shower, stand beneath the hot needles, face thrust near the spray head, feeling the headache move back a little.”
But do showers help hangovers? Why do showers make you feel better after you’ve had a few too many? And is there a difference between a cold or hot shower for hangover relief? Let’s explore this common hangover “cure” in more detail.
What is a hangover exactly? It comes down to our body’s reaction to alcohol metabolism. When we drink, alcohol has an effect on pretty much every system in our body. You can read more detail in our article about the health effects of alcohol, but let’s look at a brief overview.
All of this happens shortly after that first sip. As the alcohol enters our system, these changes continue to develop and can lead to a potential hangover down the line. The most common hangover symptoms we all know (and dread) — dehydration, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and overall malaise — are caused by a number of factors. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are a few key factors that contribute to hangovers.
Hangovers are super common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study showed that a whopping 75% of people who drink too much on a given night end up hungover the following morning. What about the lucky 25% who skate by without one? The researchers concluded they might be naturally resistant.
Because they’re so common, hangovers are also the subject of many myths — especially when it comes to curing them.
While a shower might not “cure” a hangover, it certainly won’t hurt — and might actually help! Here’s how:
So, if taking a shower can indeed ease some hangover symptoms, are certain temperatures more effective than others? For example, do cold showers help hangovers the most? And do hot showers help with headaches in particular?
The cold vs. hot debate mostly comes down to personal preference, but there’s some scientific evidence for both. Let’s explore it in more detail!
When we think of showers as a hangover remedy, we often think of cold ones.
Use caution: cold water increases the risk of hypothermia. This hangover remedy is definitely not for everyone! Listen to your body, and get out when you start to feel too cold.
Even if it helps a little, a shower by itself — hot or cold — won’t cure a hangover. Here are some proven ways to ease hangover symptoms:
Armed with these tips, you can get through a hangover a bit more comfortably. While they’re not an instant fix, they can take the edge off the discomfort (especially as the hangover peaks).
Finally, here are some tips for avoiding hangovers in the first place.
By following these and practicing mindful drinking, we can avoid the not-so-fun aftermath of a night of heavy drinking.
All in all, it’s important to remember that a hangover is temporary. After it passes, try to consider it a learning experience. Don’t judge yourself (it happens to many of us!), but see it as an opportunity to reassess your relationship with alcohol. If you’re curious about what life with less alcohol would be like, consider trying a month-long challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October. That said, there’s absolutely no need to wait until then — it’s never the “wrong” time to be sober-curious, and Reframe is here to cheer you on along the way!
1. Does a shower help cure a hangover?
While a shower can’t cure a hangover by itself, it can help with some symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, and circulation.
2. Cold showers or hot showers: which is better for hangovers?
The effectiveness of cold vs. hot showers for hangovers comes down to personal preference and specific symptoms. Cold showers can increase alertness and reduce inflammation, while hot showers can ease headaches and muscle stiffness. Both can improve circulation in different ways.
3. What are some other ways to ease hangover symptoms?
Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes, rest, eat light and easy-to-digest foods, engage in some gentle movement, and take ibuprofen for pain relief.
4. How can hangovers be avoided?
You can prevent hangovers by eating before drinking, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, avoiding drinks high in congeners and sulfites, considering a vitamin B6 supplement, and being mindful of overall alcohol intake.
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