Sauna bathing health benefits

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• Sauna bathing benefits

Sauna bathing benefits

Sauna bathers reported less hypertension diagnosis and self-reported pain. They also reported higher levels of happiness and energy, more satisfying sleep patterns, as well as better general and mental health. Sauna bathers were younger, more often men and found to have a healthier life-profile compared to non-sauna bathers. Engström, Å., Hägglund, H., Lee, E., Wennberg, M., Söderberg, S., & Andersson, M., (2024) (1)

Sauna is a Finnish word that refers to a small heated room or building, built with wooden walls, that is heated to a high temperature. People sit on wooden benches and are subjected to dry or wet heat (steam can be produced by throwing water on hot stones).

The heat provokes increased sweating, a higher heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure, similar to the effects of moderate-intensity physical activity.

Several studies have suggested that sauna bathing is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is used as a complementary therapy for lower back pain and other musculoskeletal diseases.

This study was conducted in the spring of 2022 (1) within a larger study, MONItoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease (MONICA) study. The sauna part of the study surveyed 971 participants who live in Northern Sweden, in Norrbotten and Västerbotten.

The study compared those who used the sauna at least once a month against those who used it less frequently. Sauna bathers were younger (51.1 vs 55.1 years) than the non-bathers and mostly men (72.7%), only 60.8% of women were sauna bathers.

Findings for bathers vs non-bathers:

• Less hypertension, less physical pain (moderate to severe), and higher satisfaction with sleep patterns.
• Higher general health, energy levels, mental health, and happiness.
• Lower levels of anxiety.

The improvements didn't have a linear relationship with frequency, and 1 to 4 times a month was an optimal level, above or below this frequency, the happiness, health, and anxiety scores dropped.

On average the bathers spent 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna, in 1 or 2 sessions at 60-80°C. The majority bathed with others. Previous studies have mentioned a social motivation for sauna bathing, and getting together to talk with friends. Perhaps the social side provides health benefits too.

The pain reduction noted in this survey is in line with another study from Korea that reported that sauna therapy could help reduce pain and improve the quality of life in patients with low back pain. Sauna has been used to treat fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Lower pain improves quality of life and impacts happiness positively.