Benefits of the Finnish Sauna

Years of scientific research has proven that the Finnish sauna has positive health effects on many health aspects. Sauna bathing helps prevent several long-term illnesses and eases away the worry and strains of the day, providing instant and long-lasting comfort.

HEART & CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTIONS

Sitting in the sauna increases and speeds up blood flow and the pulse in the same way as exercise. That is why sauna bathing offers permanent and powerful protection from serious cardiac health problems and maintains wellbeing even in difficult life situations or in case of physical disability. Did you know that people who go to sauna 4-7 times a week for at least 15 minutes are 51% less likely to suffer a cardiovascular death?

BRAIN

The hot and humid touch of the Finnish sauna is particularly beneficial to organ functioning, and in this way also supports brain health and mental wellbeing. Having a sauna regularly provides protection from the perils of aging, and more regular use helps to reinvigorate the mind. People who go to sauna 4-7 times a week are 66% less likely to get dementia or Alzheimer’s and 65% less likely to suffer a brain stroke.

MENTAL HEALTH

Since the sauna is a room shut off and secured from our everyday lives, it provides relief for the senses and calms both the body and mind. Spending time in the sauna increases heart rate variability, which leads to a decrease in stress levels of the body. It has also been hypothesized that sauna bathing could be useful in the fight against mental disorders such as depression.

SLEEP

Regular sauna visits also increase sleep quality. More specifically, the amount of deep sleep increases and it is easier to fall asleep after sauna. Even 83,5% of bathers have reported to notice sleep benefits after using a sauna.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Sauna gives times and space for experimenting with other activities that promote wellbeing and it often involves alternating between hot and cold. Ice swimming and other forms of cold therapy can possibly improve immunity, especially when done repeatedly. Regular sauna bathers suffer from flu symptoms less often than people who do not go to sauna regularly and have a lower CRP. Notice that sauna only works preventively and does not help if you are already sneezing and coughing because of a common cold!

Photo: Lapuan Kankurit Oy

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system seems to benefit from the invigorating effects of the sauna, too. Many who suffer from asthma have found the sauna a place for easier breathing. Some have found that it eases asthma symptoms and frequent sauna visits can reduce even the risk of asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, and pneumonia.

RECOVERY

Sauna bathing can be even more rewarding when aligned with one’s own preferences and personal lifestyle. This can be achieved for instance by a habit of having a sauna after exercise. Letting the glow of the sauna heater relax the whole body is an excellent way of ending a workout. Strained or otherwise sore muscles are quickly soothed, and the gentle heat is also good for stretching.

Read more about health benefits of sauna in these articles.

How can we help you?

Carita Harju

Executive Director
Tel. +358 40 566 2481

Join our mailing list!

We'll email you valuable sauna information

Strategic partners

© 2024 - Sauna From Finland ry - Privacy policy