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UK-BASED BUSINESS. Supporting British Fitness
UK-BASED BUSINESS. Supporting British Fitness

Infrared Sauna FAQ

10 Most Common Questions Asked About Infrared Saunas (Updated 2024)

My friends, here at the Peak Athletics, we love a good infrared sauna session.

But infrared saunas are a relatively new technology and you may have many questions.

To help you out, we've put together a list of the most common questions customers ask us about infrared saunas so you can fully understand what it’s all about. If you still have questions that we haven’t answered here, feel free give us a call or send us an email and speak.

Enjoy!

What's an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses electromagnetic radiation (infrared light) to produce heat, instead of using traditional methods like combustion or steam. Infrared light saunas have a wavelength between 500 and 3000nm, making it invisible to the human eye.

Although we can’t typically see this light, we can feel its effects. The light penetrates deep beneath the skin, delivering the comforting warmth we love in a sauna experience.

How Does an Infrared Sauna Work?

A traditional sauna heats up the air around your body and a steam sauna produces hot steam.

On the other hand, an infrared sauna heats your skin with light called infrared electromagnetic radiation. This means the heat penetrates more deeply than in other types of saunas (about 1.25 inches below the skin).

Are Infrared Saunas Good for You?

The body's reaction to high temperatures carries several benefits.

These includes releasing endorphins, the 'feel-good' hormones, and reducing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. So, spending time in the sauna not only feels great but is also great for your health!

Various studies have shown correlations between regular sauna use and health benefits. Here's what you can expect:

  • Enhanced circulation and reduced blood pressure.
  • Improved relaxation and mental health.
  • Faster muscular recovery after exercise or injury.
  • Helps relief from chronic pain symptoms.
  • Boosted immune system response.
  • Better sleep, focus, and mental clarity.
  • Why Infrared Sauna Is Good for You?

    Infrared saunas, in particular, are good for you because infrared radiation penetrates more deeply than the surface heat of traditional saunas. This leads to improved cardiovascular health and promotes tissue repair, especially.

    In addition, if you find the high temperatures of traditional hot air saunas too intense, you might find infrared saunas more relaxing and comfortable for longer or more frequent sessions.

    And let's not forget, you can always mix things up by combining the use of infrared saunas with ice baths and red light therapy for the ultimate biohacking experience.

    Infrared Sauna FAQ - Woman enjoying an infrared sauna session

    Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

    Infrared saunas are generally considered safe and no serious side effects have been reported from prescribed infrared sauna use.

    However, like with any health routine, it's smart to consult with a doctor before starting a sauna regimen, especially an intense one.

    Remember if you have any pre-existing health conditions or you’re pregnant, you should avoid sauna use altogether. Also children under the age of 16 shouldn’t use an infrared sauna.

    If you're new to infrared saunas, make sure you're well-hydrated, start with lower temperatures and shorter sessions. You want to get comfy with the heat gradually

    Always, follow proper usage guidelines in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

    Does Infrared Sauna Burn Calories?

    The short answer is yes, infrared sauna burns calories.

    When your body tackles intense heat, your heart rate increases and your body burns calories at about 1.5 to 2 times your resting rate. That means you could burn up to 200 calories in just a 15-minute session. Now, that's some serious biohacking!

    Just remember, saunas aren't a replacement for exercise. But, they're a great addition to your regular fitness routine to optimize weight loss alongside regular physical fitness activity.

    How Long Should You Stay in an Infrared Sauna?

    You can enjoy the benefits of an infrared sauna by spending just 15 to 20 minutes per session. How often you should do it really depends on the specific benefits you're after.

    Just remember, you'll sweat a lot during each session, so make sure to drink lots of water before, during, and after to stay hydrated. Also, don't forget about replenishing your electrolytes - they get lost in sweat too. A sports drink or a salty snack should do the trick!

    If you're just starting out with infrared saunas, we suggest start with 10-15 minute sessions and then gradually increase your time. And remember, always tune in to your body. If you start feeling uncomfortable or dizzy, stop the session right away.

    How Hot Do Infrared Saunas Get?

    Infrared saunas run a little cooler than traditional saunas, usually heating up to around 40° to 60°C (104° to 140°F). This makes them generally more comfortable than traditional saunas.

    But don't be fooled by the cooler temps—thanks to the infrared technology, these saunas provides the same benefits, if not more, than traditional saunas.

    How Often Should You Use an Infrared Sauna?

    Your infrared sauna usage will depend on your intended purpose and your personal heat tolerance. Please consult a doctor before embarking on any extended sauna regime. As a rule of thumb with all infrared saunas, according to the Huberman lab’s studies:

  • For cardiovascular health, try 5-20 minute sessions 2-3 times a week at the highest temperature you can comfortably manage. Your personal heat tolerance should guide you in setting the temperature.
  • For general health and well-being, aim for a total of one hour per week in the infrared sauna, split into 2 to 3 sessions. Again, go for a hotter setting in your infrared sauna if you can handle it.
  • Infrared saunas use can also help stimulate the release of growth hormones, which are beneficial for muscle recovery. To achieve this benefit, you need only a single, long weekly session consisting of 30-minute exposures with cool downs in between (such as a gentle swim or a cool shower). This session may last several hours and should be done semi-fasted (no food for 3-4 hours prior to the sauna) and well-rested.
  • Why Is an Infrared Sauna Better Than a Normal Sauna?

    Infrared saunas can be more comfortable for many users because they avoid some of the heat stress that steam-based saunas can create. Plus, they aren't as intensely hot as traditional saunas, which makes it easier to enjoy them for extended periods.

    Here are 5 more reasons why we believe infrared saunas are better than a normal saunas:

  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Heat up much faster
  • Easy to use
  • Cheaper to run
  • Take much less space
  • So these are most questions about infrared saunas we get all the time. We hope this FAQ has helped you understand infrared saunas a bit better. If you're ready to explore our collection of infrared saunas, just click here.