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By Thomas Westerholm
Life & Trends Reporter
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Using a sauna could have major health benefits, according to a new study from researchers in Sweden.
Sitting in a sauna is often associated with relaxation and wellness. Many people believe regular use of a sauna can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, alleviate muscle pain and promote better sleep and overall well-being.
Several Health Benefits
The study, conducted in northern Sweden, examined the health profiles and lifestyle habits of people who use saunas compared to people who didn't.
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Drawing on data from the 2022 Northern Sweden MONICA study, researchers surveyed 971 adults aged 25 to 74. Of those adults, 66% reported using a sauna at least once a month.
The analysis revealed that sauna bathers tended to be younger and more likely to be men. They also reported healthier lifestyle behaviors—people who used saunas more often were generally more physically active and were less likely to be smokers.
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"I had started to do research about what nature can do for our health and read about what benefits sauna can have—for instance the cardiovascular and muscular benefits," Åsa Engström, study author and a professor of nursing at Lulea University of Technology, told Newsweek in an email.
"Then we got the possibility to add questions about sauna bath habits in a great health survey where we could compare the people who sauna bath with those who don't and see differences and similarities between the groups."
The researchers found that sauna bathers experienced several health benefits compared to those who did not use saunas.
Participants who sauna bathed at least monthly reported less hypertension, less physical pain and better sleep patterns, as well as higher levels of mental well-being, happiness and energy.
"Maybe we who live where its a bit colder, at least during parts of the year, have more benefits from sauna," Engström said.
"At the same time, there is a great interest for sauna also in 'warmer' countries."
Previous Studies on Saunas
Several previous studies have explored the potential health benefits of regular sauna use, particularly focusing on cardiovascular and overall wellness outcomes.
A review published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2018 found that regular sauna bathing is linked to a reduced risk of vascular conditions, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and even neurocognitive disorders like dementia.
The review also noted links between saunas and improved respiratory health, reduced risk of pulmonary diseases and relief from conditions such as arthritis, headaches and musculoskeletal pain.
The researchers said the benefits might stem from physiological responses during sauna use, including improved endothelial function, reduced stiffness in the arteries, lower systemic blood pressure and improved circulation.
Sauna use also mimics some of the cardiovascular effects of moderate-intensity exercise, including increased heart rate and improved cardiorespiratory function.
Long-term studies conducted in Finland found different results than the recent study from Sweden—frequent sauna use (four to seven times per week) was linked with significant reductions in the risk of fatal cardiovascular events and mortality, even after accounting for other lifestyle factors like physical activity and smoking.
Implications
Whether or not more frequent use of a sauna improves health markers, use of a sauna seems to be helpful in several different ways.
"Try it," Engström said. "And if you like it, continue, because it is nice and its probably useful for your health."
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