If you’ve ever stepped into a sauna, you know the immediate sense of relaxation that comes with it. But beyond just feeling good, saunas have some impressive health benefits that are backed by science.
What are the health benefits of a Sauna?
Boosting Heart Health
Saunas do more than just make you sweat—they can also be great for your heart. Regular sauna sessions can help lower your blood pressure, improve the flexibility of your blood vessels, and even reduce your risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. A long-term study from Finland, where sauna culture is huge, found that men who used saunas frequently had a much lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Helping Your Mind Stay Sharp and de-stressing
Not only does a sauna relax your body, but it can also have a positive impact on your mind. Regular sauna use has been linked to a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The heat triggers the release of feel-good hormones, which can help with depression, stress and anxiety too.
Easing Pain and Stiffness
For those who suffer from chronic pain or conditions like arthritis, the heat from a sauna can be a soothing remedy. It helps to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation, which can all lead to less pain and better movement. Many people with conditions like fibromyalgia have found relief through regular sauna sessions .
Glowing Skin
Saunas are also great for your skin. The heat opens up your pores and promotes sweating, which can help flush out toxins and cleanse your skin. Increased blood flow from the heat can also boost skin hydration and help with conditions like psoriasis .
Living Longer
One of the most exciting benefits of sauna use is its potential to help you live longer. Research suggests that people who regularly use saunas have a lower risk of dying from all causes, not just specific diseases. This means that the benefits of sauna bathing might add up to a longer, healthier life overall .
How Does It Work?
So, what’s going on in your body during a sauna session? When you sit in a sauna, your heart rate increases, your blood vessels dilate, and blood flow improves. This mimics some of the benefits of exercise. The heat also reduces inflammation and triggers the release of certain hormones that are good for your heart and overall health.
For those interested in diving deeper into the research:
