Scientific interest in the health and well-being effects of sauna bathing has increased in recent years, although much of the earlier research has focused on men. Two Swedish studies published in 2025 and 2026 add an important perspective by focusing on women’s experiences of sauna bathing, recovery and well-being.
The two studies point in a consistent direction: for many women, sauna appears to be particularly meaningful as a space for mental and physical recovery. At the same time, the findings should be interpreted as perceived benefits rather than evidence of causality.
First study: women reported better sleep and less bodily pain
A study published in 2025 examined the experiences of 384 Swedish female sauna users aged 24 to 83.
Women reported better perceived sleep following sauna bathing compared with before sauna bathing. They also reported less perceived bodily pain. Both differences were statistically significant.
On a four-point scale, perceived sleep quality increased from an average of 3.01 before sauna bathing to 3.29 afterwards. The score reflecting absence of bodily pain increased from 2.68 to 3.10. Both comparisons had a p-value below 0.001.
Participants also perceived reduced stress and lower levels of anxiety or mild depressive feelings following sauna bathing.
In their open-ended responses, women frequently described sauna as a place to slow down, recover from physical exertion and disconnect from everyday demands. Sauna was portrayed as emotionally grounding and as an opportunity for presence and reflection.
Importantly, the study also suggested that the experience was about more than heat alone. A calm and safe environment, respect for personal boundaries and the opportunity to recover contributed to a positive sauna experience.
Second study: mental recovery stands out among women
A follow-up publication released in July 2026 broadened the perspective by analysing the experiences of 588 regular sauna users: 384 women and 204 men.
Researchers identified four interconnected dimensions of sauna bathing:
- mental recovery
- social togetherness
- purification and a sense of renewal
- physical health and recovery
A notable gender difference emerged. Mental recovery was the most prominent motivation among women, whereas social togetherness ranked highest among men.
Women also reported significantly better perceived sleep quality and reduced bodily pain following sauna bathing. No corresponding statistically significant changes were observed among men.
The authors describe sauna bathing as a multidimensional health-promoting practice involving psychological, social, cultural and physical dimensions of well-being.
How do the two studies strengthen each other?
The studies should not be considered two completely independent replications. The female participants in the 2026 analysis are part of the same broader research project as the women analysed in the 2025 publication.
However, the studies complement and strengthen the interpretation of the findings in important ways.
The first study provides a detailed picture of what women themselves experience in relation to sauna bathing: better perceived sleep, less bodily pain and a strong sense of mental and emotional recovery.
The second study places these findings in a wider context by comparing women and men. This comparison shows that mental recovery is especially prominent as a motivation among women. It also shows that the reported changes in sleep and bodily pain are evident among women but were not statistically significant among men.
What can the science tell us – and what can it not?
Both studies are cross-sectional and rely largely on self-reported experiences.
They cannot demonstrate that sauna bathing itself causes better sleep, reduces pain or improves mental health. Selection bias is also possible, as participants were regular sauna users and the female sample included a high proportion of university-educated participants.
Nevertheless, the studies provide valuable insight into how sauna bathing is experienced as part of health promotion and everyday well-being.
Based on the current evidence, it is reasonable to say that sauna is perceived by many women as a meaningful environment for mental and physical recovery – and that a restorative sauna experience appears to involve not only heat, but also calmness, safety and the opportunity to be present.
Scientific sources
Lennkvist, M., Hägglund, H. & Engström, Å. (2025). Women’s perceptions of sauna bathing and its impact on health and well-being: insights from a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 84(1), 2595806.
DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2025.2595806
PMID: 41340471
PMCID: PMC12679837
Engström, Å., Wiell, K., Hägglund, H. & Lennkvist, M. (2026). Sauna bathing: motivations, perceived benefits, and gender differences – a descriptive health promotion study. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 85(1), 2710003.
DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2026.2710003
PMID: 42507891
PMCID: PMC13410540
