Why You Should Use a Sauna: 5 Surprising Health Benefits

Did you know there’s more to using a sauna than simple relaxation? Although saunas are typically associated with relaxation, holidays and spa days, there is more to the humble sauna than originally meets the eye. Sitting in a sauna for only a short while can provide several surprising health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, easing stubborn pain, and much more. Today, we’re diving into the world of saunas to explore the health benefits that can be unlocked via this ingenious, small heated room.

What Is A Sauna?

A sauna is a small room, usually made of wood, that’s designed to be heated to high temperatures. There are three types of sauna:

Finnish Sauna

This is the traditional sauna – it’s heated to high temperatures using wood or electricity. Finnish saunas are hot, but also have low humidity.

Steam Saunas

These saunas use water poured over heated rocks to produce steam, resulting in a higher humidity level than traditional Finnish saunas. 

Infrared Saunas

Saunas such as the Insignia Infrared Sauna use infrared light to heat the body directly. This means they use lower temperatures, have lower humidity, and can help target more specific health conditions.  

5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Using A Sauna

Today, we are explaining why you should use a sauna and how to get the most from your time in one. There are plenty of surprising benefits of using a sauna, so let’s dive into them.

1. Boosted Cardiovascular Health: 

Some studies have shown that frequent use of saunas can help defend the body from certain cardiovascular diseases. If you’re wondering why you should use a sauna, a potential lower risk of high blood pressure or stroke is an excellent reason to start. 

2. Faster Muscle Recovery: 

Tired of feeling sore and heavy after working out? Using a sauna regularly can help to combat muscle fatigue due to exercise. It can even help to reduce your recovery time and eliminate the need for other recovery tools, such as massage guns. 

3. Improve The Condition Of Your Skin: 

When thinking about why you should use a sauna, consider the skin health benefits that come with regular sauna use. Jumping into a hot room to improve your skin seems counterintuitive; however, using a sauna regularly can help improve your skin quality and even help to lessen or calm skin conditions, such as acne. Using a sauna helps to bring blood flow to the surface of your skin before you start sweating; as a result, your skin becomes firmer and more elastic. Aesthetically, this means that your skin will become clearer and plumper. 

4. Get Better Sleep & Boost Your Mental Health

Why should you use a sauna? To help you get a better night’s sleep! Using a sauna 5 – 15 times a month can have a hugely positive effect on your overall mood, boosting your mental health significantly. As a result of this added relaxation, many people report that they find it easier to wind down at night and can get a better quality of sleep. 

Some studies even suggest that regularly using a sauna can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Boost Your Immune System

Although using a sauna cannot directly boost your immune system, the combination of surprising health benefits promotes relaxation and reduces stress, thereby giving your immune system the support it needs. Recent studies show that sauna usage has been shown to decrease the circulating levels of inflammatory markers, which may help to benefit your overall health.

When NOT To Use A Sauna

Saunas offer a great opportunity to boost your overall health and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. With that being said, there are certainly some times when you should avoid using a sauna, or when sauna use may be unsuitable for you. Here’s a quick list of what NOT to do when using a sauna.

• Avoid Drinking Alcohol: Never consume alcohol before or during a session in the sauna. This will lead to quicker dehydration and heat exhaustion. 
• Don’t Stay Too Long: Staying in the sauna for longer may seem appealing; however, if you spend too much time in the sauna in one sitting, you run the risk of extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion. 
• Don’t Use A Sauna If You’re Pregnant: This is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s best to avoid sitting in a sauna if you’re currently pregnant. 
• Stay Away If You Have Open Wounds: Heat from the sauna will increase your blood flow, thus potentially leading to increased inflammation, swelling, and complications around the wound. 
• Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Issues: If you have uncontrolled hypertension, have a severe heart disease, have recently experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or undergone heart surgery, the sauna is a big no-no. 
• Don’t Use If You Feel Unwell: Saunas should be avoided if you are feeling unwell. Not only can you make others sick, but you will also put your body under extreme stress and exacerbate your symptoms, such as dehydration and overheating. This can potentially lead to dizziness and fainting. 

Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered! 

We know why you should use a sauna, but let’s answer some other related questions, too!

How long should you sit in a sauna? 

Ideally, you should aim to stay in the sauna for no longer than 15-20 minutes. Staying longer than this can lead to overheating and dehydration. For first-time users, it’s recommended to start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase your time as you become accustomed to the heat. 

What should you wear in a sauna?

It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres, such as cotton. Swimsuits or shorts are a good option for public saunas. It’s also a good idea to have a towel to sit on and to use to wipe sweat away from your face. 

Should you drink water in a sauna?

Yes, you must drink water in a sauna to help you avoid dehydration. It’s recommended that you drink water before, during, and after your sauna session. 

Should you take a cold shower after using a sauna?

Yes, taking a cold shower after using a sauna is a common practice and has many potential health benefits. The combination of hot and cold can help improve circulation, muscle relaxation, and boost your body’s endorphins. 

Can you take your phone into a sauna?

No, it is not recommended to take your phone into a sauna with you. The heat can damage your phone, and steam saunas can cause even more damage as moisture gets into your phone. 

Why You Should Use A Sauna – Final Thoughts

As we’ve discovered, saunas offer far more than just a place to relax, they can be a powerful ally in your overall wellness routine. From improving heart health and speeding up muscle recovery to enhancing your skin, sleep, and mental clarity, the benefits of regular sauna use are both impressive and accessible. Like any wellness practice, consistency and mindfulness are key. As long as you follow basic safety guidelines and listen to your body, a sauna can be a simple yet impactful way to support your physical and mental well-being.