Not only does sauna bathing relax the bather, but it also trains the cardiovascular system, improves the overall quality of life, and may prevent physical and mental illnesses.
We Finns have instinctively known for centuries that sauna bathing is very healthy for our body and mind. In recent years we have had significant science to back up these beliefs.
Improving cardiovascular health
It is a known fact that a sauna is an environment with extreme conditions. A heated sauna raises the skin temperature to 40 degrees Celcius, thus setting sweating in motion. As the body tries to cool the temperature, the cardiovascular system starts working harder.
A Finnish study Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events followed 2,315 men aged 42 to 60 for 20 years. The research suggested that people who use a sauna regularly may have a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
There were three participant categories based on the frequency of sauna use: once a week, two to three times a week, and four to seven times a week.
Two to three sauna sessions per week reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death by 22 percent compared to once-a-week users. There was a 63 percent lower risk of sudden cardiac death for participants who used the sauna four to seven times a week and a 50 percent lower risk for cardiovascular disease compared to those who only used the sauna once a week.
In addition, in the gentle heat of the sauna, your heartbeat starts to rise which dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation. This may result in lower blood pressure. There is a study suggesting that sauna bathing is linked with a reduction in the risk of high blood pressure or hypertension.
Does sauna support brain health?
In addition to cardiovascular health benefits, there may be more benefits attributed to sauna use and that includes boosting brain health.
With regular sauna use levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increase, promoting the growth of new brain cells while maintaining existing ones, and increasing neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections.
In a study conducted by the University of Eastern, Finland researchers found that men who used the sauna four to seven times a week were 66 percent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 65 percent less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, than those using the sauna once a week.
Sauna is a place to unwind
At the moment stress, hustle and bustle seem to be an inevitable part of our lives. Sauna is the perfect place to de-stress and unwind in the middle of a busy everyday life.
When your body and mind feel calm, you release endorphins which are known to be the "feel-good hormones". Your overall mood and emotional health improve as well, making you feel calm and ready to face the world again.
Millions of Finnish people use the sauna every week and some even multiple times a week. No wonder we Finnish people are proven to be the happiest people on earth, nine times in a row.
Ready to sauna?
Sauna is supposed to make you feel good so it's important to listen to your body when you begin using it to determine how long you should stay in the sauna. Slowly increase the time you spend in the sauna over time. Also, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water before and after each session.
Hop in the sauna, adjust the stove to a comfortable heat level and let the sauna make you feel better inside and out!
