Not Sweating In Infrared Sauna - Why Am I Not Sweating? Dr. Answers

By Dr. Candy Akers

This is a common question from those that are used to sweating in a traditional sauna. (Check out our article about the differences between traditional and infrared saunas.) Infrared saunas are low humidity and heat from the inside out. The temperature of the infrared sauna is 120°F rather than 150-210°F in a traditional sauna.

You may notice a lack of sweating during your first few sessions as your body gets used to heat. However, you really should be sweating significantly in an infrared sauna therapeutic session.

If you are not sweating, this may indicate a health problem. According to medical dictionaries, the abnormal condition of NOT sweating during hot conditions is called anhidrosis. Anhidrosis is a condition in which your sweat glands don’t function as they should to remove heat and cool your body down.

Possible Causes for Lack of Sweating In An Infrared Sauna:

Skin scarring conditions like burns (chemical or thermal)
Inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Nerve damage (if your body doesn’t receive the message of “it’s hot” then it can’t trigger the full sweat response
Autoimmune conditions such as Lupus
CNS dysfunctions: Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke
Excessive dehydration

Dehydration can be one factor that reduces sweating, however even when slightly dehydrated, most healthy people still sweat a little.

One other possible cause for not sweating in an infrared sauna could be the effects of some medications. As medications manipulate the body, some normal responses can be changed.

Types of Medications That May Decrease or Prevent Sweating:

Tricyclic antidepressants
Antihistamines
Bladder antispasmodics
Antipsychotics / antiemetics
Antiepileptics
Antihypertensives
Opioids
Neuromuscular paralytics

The Lack of Sweating In Your Infrared Sauna Could Result In The Following Negative Symptoms:

Feeling weak
Flushed skin
Muscle Cramps
Dizziness
Overheating
Fainting

If any of these symptoms are observed you should get out of the infrared sauna and move to a cool area. You can then apply wet towels or water to your forehead and body to help lower your body temperature. This will provide the same evaporative cooling effect that sweat is supposed to provide.

*Sometimes shorter sauna sessions can get your body moving in the right direction and you can slowly increase your session time to longer therapeutic sessions.

Dr. Candy’s Personal Experience: When I first started infrared sauna sessions, I felt like I was full of toxins. I was on three prescription medications at the time. I found that I did not sweat much the first two sessions but then as my body detoxed, I began to sweat more and more. After about four sessions, I was sweating more normally in the infrared sauna and I felt great.

Each individual person may sweat differently. I recommend making note of your infrared sauna therapy in a journal or log book. Then you can observe changes over time and make sure that you are restoring your health, not diminishing it.

I made a free printable template for a log book! You can grab a copy by submitting your details below and I’ll send it your way!

Stay hydrated! Stay healthy!

Best Wishes, Dr. Candy

Dr. Candy's Recommendations

If You Are Not Sweating in Sauna

If you are not sweating in a sauna, you may need to detox. A whole-food-based detox kit can help you clean up! These detox kits come with everything you need. Each set comes with a guide that shows you what to do step by step. It's super easy to follow and can give you a huge boost in your personal journey to health.

10-Day SP Detox Balance™ Program Kit

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28-Day SP Detox Balance™ Kit

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Enemas are well known for detox among complementary healers. Administration of enemas uses the “back door” to your detox organ system. The process can “flush” toxins from your bloodstream and liver. Coffee enemas can even provide an energy boost as your bloodstream directly absorbs the caffeine. Enemas may seem like a foreign concept, but they are really worth trying for the sake of your health.

These enema kits come with a manual that covers all the details you need for beneficial coffee enemas. Directions include coffee preparation, enema kit setup, administration, timing, and more.