Infrared Sauna Therapy for Mental Health

Our mental health is something that we cannot ignore. It is as crucial as our physical health. A lot of attention has focused on mental health lately, especially since the pandemic. Although not a replacement for mental health therapy, infrared sauna therapy can play a significant role in helping the healing process and prevention of mental health issues. 

Easy Use at Home

Traditional saunas are available at most public spas, gyms, and health centers. They can be very helpful. Unfortunately, you will most likely need a membership and have to share it with others. An infrared sauna, on the other hand, can be easily installed at home for regular, consistent, and private use.  

Research has shown that using infrared saunas for at least 15 times a month, contributes to long lasting positive effects on cognitive and mental health. With regular use, infrared sauna therapy has been shown to reduce depression, maintain better sleep, enhance mood, cognitive health, and much more (Silvers, et al, 2018). Let's explore more about the association between infrared saunas with mental health.

Reduce Depression and Improves Mood

With infrared sauna therapy, the body is exposed to light that penetrates the skin to the core of the body and heats you from the inside. This type of therapy has been shown to play a vital role in enhancing euphoria. These saunas actually stress the body, which makes it produce and release euphoric hormones from the brain. These modifications become semi-permanent after a few sessions. Continuous use may lead a person to more consistent feelings of happiness with reduced depression and improved mood. Research has shown that people with depression who use the infrared sauna regularly, have their symptoms reduced by 50%.  

Reduce the Risk of Dementia

Today, dementia has become the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that around 160 million people are expected to be affected by dementia by 2050. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited. We know that steps can be taken to aid in the prevention of dementia and infrared sauna therapy can help. It was observed that 66% of men were less likely to develop dementia even after one time of infrared saunas use per week. A study out of the United Kingdom showed similar results. (Laukkanen, et al, 2018).

Decrease Headaches

Chronic tension-type headaches have become a significant problem across the globe. Chronic headaches are when you have severe headaches for more than 15 days in a month. The duration and intensity can vary as per the situation, lifestyle, and a person's overall well-being. However, research has shown that infrared saunas can relieve headache pain intensity. These saunas are considered a safer and more direct treatment for headaches. The study has shown that people using infrared saunas are less likely to experience chronic tension-type headache syndrome than people who don't.

Boost Restorative Sleep

In order to function well throughout the day, high-quality deep sleep is vital to optimize mental health and brain functioning. It was analyzed that sleep problems are more common in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. However, these problems can be relieved with regular infrared sauna use.

How to Use At-Home Infrared Saunas

Yay! You brought home an Infrared sauna box. What’s next?

Start slow and low

When first starting out, it is important to keep the sessions short, around 10 minutes set at 110°F (Cristiano, et al, 2019). Listen to your body.

Maximum Time

After you’ve been using your at home sauna for a while, you can increase your time but it is still recommended to keep the sessions less than 30 minutes. It is better not to stress your body too much. 

Stay hydrated

While using an infrared sauna, you will sweat. Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Perhaps even adding some electrolytes. It is important however, to avoid drinking alcohol during your session. It will only dehydrate you more. Just drink plenty water.

Rinse off

After your sessions, you will have sweated out many toxins so it is important to rinse off afterwards with a long shower.  

Final Thoughts

Infrared saunas show significant therapeutic benefits for improving our mental health. For experienced sauna users, 30 minute sessions are suggested. For newbies, 15 minutes proved to be super beneficial to decrease depression and anxiety, risk of dementia, and headaches. Infrared saunas can help people optimize their mental health by improving restful sleep and boosting their euphoric mood. Temperatures should always be set between 110°F to 140°F . Conveniently, you can buy saunas and bring them home to boost your mental health and cognitive functioning.