Four Surprising Health Benefits of Dry Sauna Bathing

Have you ever tried a dry sauna?

If not, you really should – especially during the cold winter months! Unlike traditional wet saunas, dry saunas are heated using electricity, not steam, allowing them to keep warm and cozy without all that pesky humidity.

Stepping into a hot sauna is the perfect cure for any post-workout aches or pains. You can also sit in the sauna after a dip in the pool to dry off, or you can skip the workout altogether and just relax. Did you know that sauna bathing produces the same feelings of positivity and well-being in our brains as we would experience after going for a brisk walk? It’s true!

Besides providing mental relief and fostering feelings of calm, sauna bathing also offers several benefits for our bodies.

Let’s explore four surprising health benefits of dry sauna bathing.

1. Heart health: Because of their incredibly high temperatures, saunas are great at making us sweat. It might surprise you to learn that even a short stay in a sauna can make us produce nearly a pint of sweat! As our body produces sweat to help keep us cool, our heart rate increases, dramatically improving our cardiovascular health. Studies show that sauna bathing  can increase our heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and improve blood flow.
2. Improves sleep: As we mentioned before; saunas are great at making us sweat! Sweat helps us prevent our bodies from overheating. Not only will spending 10-20 minutes in the sauna in the evening help prepare your mind and body for bed, but the heat of the sauna causes the blood to flow from our core to our skin and limbs, helping us cool down quickly and fall asleep faster.
3. Relieves lower back pain: Lower back pain is one of the most common health issues in the U.S, with 39% of U.S. adults having reported experiencing it. One 2019 study suggests that saunas help relieve chronic lower back pain. This is because saunas cause our blood vessels to relax and dilate, increasing our blood flow, which can in turn help reduce tension in our joints and relieve sore muscles.
4. Increased brain power: Regular sauna bathing might even improve long-term brain function! One recent study found that men who used saunas four to seven times a week had a 66% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who used saunas only once per week. The combination of heat exposure and improved heart health helps stimulate the development of new neurons in the brain and protect against brain disease.

Ready to try out one of the MCC saunas for yourself?

Here are some tips to remember. If it’s your first time sauna bathing don’t stay in for too long; it is recommended that people new to saunas only spending 5-10 minutes inside.

As a regular sauna user, it is recommended to use the sauna 2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes each session. And be sure to drink plenty of water before and after using the sauna at the MCC; it’s important to stay hydrated to make up for the water loss your body experiences.

Children and pregnant women should not use the sauna. You should check with your healthcare provider before using the sauna if:

• You’re older than 65.
• You have a heart condition or high or low blood pressure.
• You take any prescription medications.

Using a dry sauna can promote relaxation, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and support muscle recovery, making it a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall well-being. Give it a try this new year!