Sitting back and enjoying a sauna session is the perfect way to release tension after a tough workout or stressful day.
While in the sauna, you can further relax by reading your favorite book or listening to a motivational podcast, closing your eyes and taking deep breaths, allowing yourself to sweat and release stress.
Saunas are commonly found in gyms and spas, but you can also purchase one for your home.
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Although saunas have many health benefits, it's important to be aware of the risks.
- What types of saunas are there?
- What are the health benefits of using a sauna?
- How long is it safe to be in a sauna?
- Are there any risks I should be aware of when using a sauna?
Although saunas have many health benefits, they also carry risks if not used properly or if you have certain health conditions. (iStock)
1. What types of saunas are there?
According to the North American Sauna Association website, a sauna is “a special room heated to approximately 150-195 degrees where the temperature and humidity of the room can be regulated by sprinkling water on the stones inside the heater/stove.”
The most common types of saunas include wood-fired saunas, electrically heated saunas, artificial sauna rooms, smoke saunas, steam rooms and infrared rooms.
For the most part, many of the health benefits remain consistent no matter what type of sauna you use.
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“Many of the benefits overlap, with steam being more effective for respiratory issues and far-infrared light being more effective for weight loss and recovery,” Dr. Brooke Jeffey, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, and founder of teen skincare brand BTWN, told Fox News Digital in an email.
2. What are the health benefits of using a sauna?
Using a sauna can provide a variety of health benefits.
“Both steam and dry saunas may have beneficial effects on respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and dementia,” Jeffe says.
“They also reduce muscle and joint stiffness and improve blood circulation to the skin. Both steam and infrared saunas have a positive effect on blood pressure. When combined with exercise, infrared saunas may enhance weight loss and speed muscle recovery.”
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According to Jeffery, the time of day you use the sauna doesn't matter: Whether you sweat it out in the morning or relax in a sauna before bed, both will reap the health benefits.
Many people also choose to take a sauna bath after working out.
“Post-workout sessions help with weight management and improved muscle recovery,” Jeffee said.
It's common to sit in a sauna after finishing your workout. (iStock)
3. How long is it safe to be in a sauna?
When you go into a sauna, be sure to keep a record of how long you stay in it.
Many gym saunas are equipped with clocks so you don't have to worry about bringing your phone in and overheating.
If you don't have a timer or watch, be sure to bring one with you or set an alarm so you know when it's time to leave.
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“The maximum time you can spend in a dry sauna or steam sauna is about 15 to 20 minutes,” Jeffey says, “Infrared saunas can last longer, anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.”
4. Are there any risks I should be aware of when using a sauna?
Although sauna use has its benefits, there are also some risks you should be aware of before incorporating it into your routine.
Risks include dehydration, heat stroke and stroke, Jeffe said.
Be sure to drink water to stay hydrated while in the sauna. (iStock)
To avoid dehydration, bring a bottle of water with you when you enter the sauna.
If you don't already use the sauna regularly, consider slowly phasing it in and gradually increasing the amount of time you spend sitting in the sauna.
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Finally, Jeffe says people who are pregnant, ill, intoxicated or prone to dizziness should not use saunas.
“People who have recently had a heart attack or have a history of angina, aortic stenosis or congestive heart failure should not use a sauna,” Jeffe added.
