Benefits of Infrared Saunas
- March 11, 2024
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna, also known as a far-infrared sauna, uses lamps to produce heat instead of using steam or wood stoves like a traditional sauna. “Far” refers to its place on the light spectrum.
Regular saunas are designed to warm the air, which then warms your body through convection. Infrared saunas are built to warm your body directly, so the sauna room itself is a much lower temperature than a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas are typically about 110 to 135 degrees Farenheit while traditional saunas can range from 150 to 195 degrees Farenheit, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This difference can make infrared sauna rooms a more comfortable and relaxing option.1
Infrared sauna benefits
Several studies have reported some evidence that infrared saunas can have benefits for the following chronic health conditions:
But further and more precise studies need to be done to prove the initial findings.
In addition to aiding with those chronic conditions, infrared saunas also may help with soothing sore muscles, pain relief, relaxation, sleep3 and immunity. An early 1990s study found that regular sauna bathing can help reduce the incidence of common colds.4
Are infrared saunas safe?
Infrared saunas are safe to use.5 According to the Mayo Clinic, “no harmful effects have been reported with infrared saunas.”
However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or nausea while in a sauna, you should immediately get out. Sauna users should consider dehydration before getting in and be sure to drink plenty of water upon getting out.
Those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, ill or have multiple sclerosis should not use infrared saunas because the heat can be harmful. Similarly, if you have a concern about a pre-existing condition, you should consult your physician before using an infrared sauna.
In 2006, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection released a statement about infrared radiation that said the biggest risk involved is thermal injury, but the statement didn’t directly address saunas.6
Can infrared saunas cause cancer?
There’s no indication that infrared saunas can cause cancer. Despite concerns about infared sauna use leading to skin cancer, a 2020 study found that infrared light doesn’t cause sunburn.7 The study also said infrared light hasn’t been known to directly cause skin cancer.
Additionally, there’s no evidence that infrared saunas can help prevent or treat cancer.
Infrared sauna blankets
With the rise in popularity of infrared saunas has come a new adaptation: infrared sauna blankets. Several companies, including HigherDOSE and Bon Charge, sell infrared sauna blankets starting at about $700. A 2019 study found that infrared sauna blankets can improve “blood circulation and the metabolism of the whole body, accelerate the detoxification, trigger the consumption of calories and fat burning.”8
REFERENCES
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, November 27). Why infrared saunas are “cooler” than traditional saunas. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infrared-sauna-benefits
- Beever R. (2009). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 55(7), 691–696. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718593/
- Hussain, J. N., Greaves, R. F., & Cohen, M. M. (2019, April 24). A hot topic for health: Results of the global sauna survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919300998
- Ernst, E., Pecho, E., Wirz, P., & Saradeth, T. (n.d.). Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds. Annals of medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2248758/
- Brent A. Bauer, M. D. (2022, June 11). Do infrared saunas have any health benefits?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954
- Health Physics. (2006). ICNIRP STATEMENT ON FAR INFRARED RADIATION EXPOSURE. https://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPinfrared.pdf
- Hudson, L., Rashdan, E., Bonn, C. A., Chavan, B., Rawlings, D., & Birch-Machin, M. A. (2020, January 16). Individual and combined effects of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light components of solar radiation on damage biomarkers in human skin cells. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31944399/
- Cristiano, L. (2019, July 23). Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments. Infrared Physics & Technology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350449519301756
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