Improved cardiovascular health
When your body is exposed to the heat in a sauna, your blood vessels widen — a process called vasodilation — which leads to enhanced blood flow, increased heart rate, and the promotion of better circulation. As a result, sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, including a reduction in blood pressure, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other heart-related issues.
You’ll notice as you read on that many of the health benefits of saunas share a similar foundation to this one, namely improved circulation and blood flow via vasodilation caused by the heat therapy inherent in sauna bathing.
Stress reduction
The heat in saunas has been found to trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural mood boosters) as well as lower cortisol levels (the body’s natural stress hormone), alleviating overall stress and anxiety. Taking the time for a sauna session, especially if done socially with friends, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Pain relief for sore muscles
Saunas are particularly well known for their pain-relieving effects, especially their ability to alleviate muscle and joint pain. Specifically, the increased circulation caused by heat in the sauna can aid in muscle recovery and growth and reduce inflammation. It’s no wonder that you frequently find saunas in gyms for use after workouts!
Pain relief for chronic conditions
While sauna use for post-workout recovery is well-established, it has also been found that saunas may help reduce symptoms of chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis. While heat therapy should be one part of a more comprehensive treatment for conditions of this nature, the benefits and relaxation provided by sauna use can help relieve pain and reduce discomfort.
Improved skin health
The skin health benefits of sauna use work in two ways. First, the heat in saunas naturally encourages sweating, which helps cleanse the skin by unclogging and removing impurities from your pores. And second, the increase in blood circulation caused by sauna use also contributes to a healthy, radiant glow.
Detoxification through sweat
Sweating profusely in a sauna can remove toxins and heavy metals from the body in a process called thermal detoxification. You’ll notice that sweat plays a role in a lot of these benefits, as sweating can help remove harmful substances from your body and support your overall health.
Improved sleep
Regular sauna sessions have been shown to improve sleep quality. As discussed, the soothing heat of a sauna can help relieve stress and tension, among other benefits, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a more restful night.
Enhanced metabolism
The increased heart rate and circulation generated during sauna sessions can lead to increased energy expenditure, temporarily boosting your metabolism. As we discuss below, this may also aid in weight management and calorie burning to some extent.
Weight management
We kept this one on the top 10 list because it is so frequently discussed, but do saunas burn fat? No — not directly, anyway.
Weight management is a fraught and tricky subject, and we want to be very plain here: Using sauna therapy for weight loss is not a silver bullet. In fact, the weight lost during sauna sessions is caused primarily by water loss via sweating — water that will be quickly regained through hydration. While it can be a useful solution for a sporting event weigh-in, sauna use is not a long-term weight loss strategy.
However, this is not to say that sauna use does not have its place in your weight loss regimen. Saunas can help improve sleep, aid in muscle recovery, improve cardiovascular performance, temporarily boost your metabolism, and more. These are all factors that help you feel good, which in turn makes it easier for you to stick to your exercise routine and healthy diet.
Better cognitive function
The increased blood flow and heat exposure in saunas are thought to have potential neuroprotective effects. Some studies suggest that regular sauna use may contribute to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.