Saunas can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. A recent article in the Harvard Health Edu reports that sauna bathing has many reported benefits for the body and more recent studies have shown that over time saunas can also be good for our brains, reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimers.
But like any activity, for some folks, regular sauna use must be monitored closely to ensure your body can acclimatise to the heat and deliver the desired benefits.
That’s why we would always recommend you follow our common-sense safety guidelines to ensure you relax with peace of mind and additionally seek out professional medical advice from a healthcare professional if you suffer from specific illnesses or ailments.
To enjoy the benefits of a regular sauna here’s our handy guide.
1. Stay in the sauna no more than 15- 20 minutes per day.
Your body will experience the warming heat therapy but don’t overdo it. Short yet regular visits deliver the optimum benefits.
2. Monitor the Temperature.
A good infrared sauna is between 110 & 140 degrees Fahrenheit, this will allow you to experience a deep-penetrating and soothing warmth. Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat as the effects can be detrimental rather than healing.
3. Don’t use it if you have uncontrolled blood pressure
Dr. Adolph Hutter, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School says,
‘Don’t stay in no longer than 15 to 20 minutes — and for a shorter period if you have low blood pressure. If you start feeling uncomfortably hot or lightheaded, sit down outside the sauna. It's also a good idea to cool down gradually; don't go straight outdoors in cold weather.’
4. Avoid alcohol
The heat from the sauna means you will begin to sweat a lot. This is good for detoxification but will also dehydrate your body. If you drink alcohol at the same time, the impact will be intensified causing you to become severely dehydrated and very unwell.
5. Avoid medication that may impair sweating and make you overheat.
ALWAYS check with your doctor or medical professional before a sauna, especially if you’re on medication. If your medicine prevents you from sweating as the sauna heats your body, you could easily overheat causing you to feel dizzy and lightheaded.
6. Cool down gradually – don’t jump in the lake!
The Finns are renowned for cold water dips after a toasty sauna but they have become acclimatised to this over many years. We know it’s become trendy but take care and don’t do it unless you’ve been properly trained.
7. Drink plenty of water before and after to ensure you don’t dehydrate.
As we said before, the sauna will make you sweat excessively so we’d recommend you drink plenty of water before your sauna to prevent dehydration while you’re in there. Also continue to drink plenty of water afterwards too to ensure you replenish the nutrients and rehydrate your body.
8. Don’t sauna if you’re unwell
There’s lots of talk about the detoxifying benefits of saunas and the smoke cleansing the environment which may lead some to believe a sauna when you’re poorly may help. BUT, you may become dizzy, sick or lightheaded due to the heat and if you’re poorly we’d suggest you stay warm in bed, not the sauna. Plus, if you sauna with friends we’re pretty sure they don’t want your germs.
We hope you enjoy every moment of sauna life and experience the fabulous benefits to your health and well-being but we also want you to stay safe.