When you think of saunas, do you picture a spa day, sitting in a warm wooden room doing absolutely nothing? Whilst relaxing, over the last decade researchers, particularly in Finland, have discovered that saunas do far more than help you unwind. Regular sauna use is linked to better cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and even increased longevity.
One long-term study of over 2,000 people found that individuals who used a sauna four to seven times a week had up to a 50% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke. And they weren’t running marathons or doing extreme training, they were just sitting in a hot room – easy!
Whilst you probably won’t be using a sauna that often, you can still get many benefits. But how does this work?
Heat exposure raises your heart rate to a level similar to moderate exercise. Blood vessels widen, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and training your cardiovascular system to become more efficient. Heat also stimulates something called heat shock proteins, which help repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation, one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease and aging.
Saunas are also incredibly beneficial for mental health. Time in the heat promotes the release of endorphins and helps regulate the nervous system. Many people report improved sleep quality on days they use a sauna. A sauna session is also one of the few moments where you are forced to be still, no phone, no emails, no rushing – this doesn’t happen often!
Last week I wrote about the benefits of cold water. Well, you can combine the two and pair your sauna with cold water exposure. This could be a dip in the sea, a plunge pool, or even a short cold shower.
This contrast, known as hot-cold cycling, works your cardiovascular system. Heat opens your blood vessels; the cold constricts them. This helps to improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, boost immune function and iIncrease dopamine levels.
I do this at Lyme Regis where they have a sauna by the beach and I can vouch for how good you feel doing it. There is also a sauna at French Weir in Taunton if you want something a little closer.
Give it a try, you won’t regret it.
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