Infrared saunas are all the rage these days, as consumers all over the world, are buying and installing home saunas. But, are infrared saunas safe?

While many users and manufacturers claim that infrared saunas offer a safer and more effective way to experience the benefits of sauna therapy, questions about their safety exist.

This article explores the safety of infrared saunas, by examining scientific research, potential risks, and guidelines for safe sauna usage.

While using an infrared sauna offers numerous health benefits for various conditions and overall health and well-being, like any powerful health tool, caution should be exercised when using an infrared sauna. Potential risks include, heat-related issues such as, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can occur with traditional saunas as well.  Additional dangers from any type of sauna use arise for individuals with certain health conditions such as, adrenal suppression, Parkinson’s, disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Although infrared saunas can be used safely, risks increase when alcohol or other substances are consumed during extended sessions.

Potential Risks & Concerns About Infrared Saunas Being Safe

While infrared saunas are generally considered safe, here are some potential risks and concerns to take into account.

Avoid Overheating: Like traditional saunas, prolonged exposure to infrared heat can lead to overheating and hyperthermia. It’s essential to stay within recommended time limits and listen to your body’s signals.

Avoid Dehydration: Sweating in an infrared sauna can lead to dehydration, if fluids are not adequately replenished. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the sauna session is crucial. Sports drinks, coconut water, and electrolyte drinks help replenish your body after your sauna session.

Avoid Electromagnetic Radiation: Some concerns have been raised about the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by infrared heaters. However, studies have shown that the levels of EMFs in a well-designed infrared sauna are generally low and within safe limits. Clearlight saunas are rated extremely well for safety standards because their home infrared saunas have very low EMFs.

Guidelines For Safe Use Of Infrared Saunas

To ensure a safe and beneficial experience with an infrared sauna, follow these guidelines:

Consult With Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any sauna therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Make Sure To Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to prevent dehydration.

Make Sure To Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during the session. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unwell, exit the sauna immediately and cool down.

Make Sure To Use Recommended Temperatures: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended temperatures and do not exceed them.

Make Sure To Limit Your Session Duration: Most experts recommend limiting sauna sessions to 20-30 minutes to prevent overheating.

Make Sure To Take Breaks: If you plan to use the sauna for an extended period, take breaks to cool down and rehydrate.

Make Sure To Choose Quality Equipment: Ensure that your infrared sauna is from a reputable manufacturer with safety certifications and low EMF levels. Clearlight saunas are known for their low EMF’s and safe heaters.

Pregnant Women Should Not Sauna: Pregnant women should avoid using an infrared sauna as excessive heat can pose risks to the developing fetus.

Children Should Exercise Caution When Using A Sauna: Children are more susceptible to overheating and dehydration, so they should only use infrared saunas under adult supervision, and for shorter durations.

Elderly Individuals Should Use Caution When Using Saunas: Older adults should be cautious due to potential cardiovascular strain and a higher risk of dehydration.

Individuals With Medical Conditions Should Speak With Their Healthcare Provider Prior To Using A Sauna: People with certain medical conditions such as respiratory issues, heat sensitivity, or other medical issues should consult their healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna.

Infrared Saunas Vs. Traditional Saunas

When comparing infrared saunas to traditional saunas, several factors come into play:

Sauna Temperatures: Traditional saunas operate at higher temperatures (typically 150-195°F) compared to infrared saunas (typically 120-150°F). The lower temperature of an infrared sauna can be more comfortable for those sensitive to heat and less drying.

Sauna Heating Methods: Traditional saunas heat the air, which in turn heats the body from the outside. The Infrared sauna heats the body through infrared heat, leading to deeper tissue penetration for a more complete detox and potential fat loss.

Sauna Health Benefits: Traditional and infrared saunas both offer health benefits, but the specific advantages may vary. Infrared saunas are often preferred for their deeper heat penetration and lower operating temperatures. See Marneys Tidbits article titled, “Enjoy 12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Infrared Sauna Therapy,” for a more in depth explanation of the amazing health benefits of infrared saunas.

Sauna Ease Of Use: Infrared saunas typically require less time to heat up and can be more energy-efficient than traditional saunas.

Health Benefits Of Infrared Saunas

Infrared Sauna Use May Improve Cardiovascular Health: A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that infrared sauna use is safe for cardiovascular patients and can improve blood vessel function. The study noted no adverse effects on heart health.

Infrared Saunas And Detoxification: Infrared saunas are believed to promote detoxification by inducing deeper sweat, which helps remove toxins and fat from the body.

Infrared Sauna Use For Muscle Recovery And Pain Relief: The deep heat penetration can help relax muscles, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. Research in Clinical Rheumatology demonstrated that an infrared sauna can effectively reduce pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis without any significant side effects.

Infrared Sauna Use For Improved Circulation: Infrared heat may improve blood flow and circulation, which can aid in recovery and overall cardiovascular health.

Infrared Sauna Use For Skin Health: Sweating in an infrared sauna can help clear pores and improve skin tone and texture.

Infrared Sauna Use For Weight Loss: The increased heart rate and sweating induced by the heat can contribute to calorie burning and weight loss. The deep infrared heat promotes a “fat sweat.”

Infrared Sauna Use For Relaxation And Stress Reduction: The heat and calm environment of the sauna can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. A study in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that regular use of infrared saunas can help reduce the body’s toxic load and stress levels, again without any significant adverse effects.

Scientific Research On Infrared Sauna Safety

Numerous studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of infrared saunas, often highlighting their benefits with minimal risks when used properly. People have confused infrared radiation with ultraviolet radiation. Of course, ultraviolet radiation (UV) may cause skin cancer and damage the eyes if you look directly into the sun. Remember, infrared radiation is not harmful, while ultraviolet radiation is potentially dangerous.

Mayo Clinic: According to the Mayo Clinic, many studies have examined the use of infrared saunas in treating chronic health conditions and have found some evidence that saunas may be beneficial. The conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. The Mayo Clinic recommends that larger and more precise studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Additionally, some of these studies involved participants using traditional saunas.

National Library Of Medicine: According to the NLM, Far-infrared saunas are approved by the Canadian Standards Association and can be marketed to the public as recreational saunas. Infrared sauna manufacturers claim numerous therapeutic benefits, including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, normalized blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, and reduced pain, stress, and fatigue. These saunas are also being advertised in publications targeting Canadian physicians. According to Aaron Zack, President and CEO of Sunlight Saunas, the current North American market for FIRSs is valued at approximately $60 million to $75 million and is growing rapidly.

Cleveland Clinic:  According to the Cleveland Clinic, people reported relieved muscles, reduced pain and even cardiovascular improvements associated with infrared sauna studies. According to Dr. Young, the study revealed there was improved blood circulation from an infrared sauna session can accelerate muscle recovery after physical activity. Regular use may even enhance athletic performance. Researchers have found that infrared sauna therapy “may be a promising method for the treatment of chronic pain.” This conclusion followed a two-year study in which participants showed improved outcomes with the treatment.

Understanding The Allure Of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters which emit different spectrums of  infrared light, a type of safe electromagnetic radiation that directly heats the body without significantly warming the air around you. This form of heat penetrates deeper into the skin, promoting sweating at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas. There are three types of infrared wavelengths used in saunas: near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared. Each wavelength penetrates the body to different depths, offering various therapeutic benefits.

Infrared saunas present a compelling option for those seeking relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, and improved overall well-being. As with any health regimen, the key is to use saunas responsibly.

With any health-related activity, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and use common sense to avoid potential risks such as overheating and dehydration. By consulting with healthcare providers, starting slowly, staying hydrated, and monitoring your body’s response, you can safely enjoy the therapeutic advantages of infrared saunas. Sessions should last about 20 minutes. Patients considering infrared therapy should consult a doctor before making any changes to their treatment plan. Infrared saunas can be used as a supplementary treatment alongside their existing regimen.

Take a deep breath, relax, and experience all the benefits of infrared sauna therapy.

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