Electrolyte drink revives writer who nearly fainted in NYC’s ‘hottest’ sauna

A New York Post writer collapsed during a preview session at Othership’s new Williamsburg location and was revived minutes later after drinking a cup of electrolyte solution containing Nuun Sport tablets, the writer said.

The session, held ahead of the facility’s official opening, involved guided breathwork, aromatic essential oil “snowballs” and gua sha self-massage in a communal, steam-filled room. Participants were warned that the experience could be hot and uncomfortable at times. About 20 minutes into the class, the writer, identified as Miska Salemann, said she became dizzy and nauseated. When the session ended she rose quickly, struck her head on a low ceiling and then stumbled toward the exit before collapsing onto a bench.

Staff members assisted and offered a small cup of liquid made from Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets, which the writer said restored her vision and equilibrium within seconds. She reported feeling completely normal about 10 minutes after drinking it and later participated in a cold plunge at the facility.

Salemann did not blame Othership for the incident and acknowledged she had likely failed to hydrate adequately before the session. Dehydration is a common cause of lightheadedness and fainting during prolonged exposure to high heat, as sweating reduces plasma volume and can disrupt electrolyte balance. Electrolyte products such as Nuun contain sodium and potassium, which help restore fluid balance and support nerve and muscle function; the writer said the drink produced a rapid improvement in her symptoms.

Othership describes its classes as combining intentional breathwork with heat exposure and other wellness practices. The facility’s communal sauna rooms include tiered benches, where temperatures and humidity typically rise toward the top, a layout members were told can increase the risk of overheating for those seated high in the room.

Staff at sauna and wellness centers generally advise patrons to hydrate before and after sessions, to limit time spent at peak heat levels, and to exit immediately if they feel faint, nauseated or unusually weak. Experts also recommend replacing lost electrolytes during intense sweating, particularly for people who engage in multiple heat sessions or combine heat exposure with vigorous breathing exercises.

Salemann, who covers commerce and lifestyle topics for the New York Post, said she now carries electrolyte tablets and urges others who use saunas to do the same. After recovering, she returned to the session area to take an ice bath with a companion and continued to participate in the facility’s programming.

Photographs from the visit show members using the cold plunge following the sauna session.

The incident highlights standard safety concerns for heat-based wellness practices and underscores public-health advice to maintain hydration and to heed signs of heat-related distress. Facility staff who witness a participant showing signs of fainting or disorientation should provide prompt assistance and access to fluids and a cooler environment, health authorities advise.