Science is now backing up the claims that a regular routine that includes time in a sauna can actually help keep your heart healthy and help you live a longer life. The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The Study

Information was gathered over 20 years, when 2,300 middle-aged men were tracked by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland. Each man spent approximately 14 minutes in the sauna at a time, and the sauna was about 175 degrees. Researchers divided the men into one of three categories:

• those who used a sauna once a week,
• those who used a sauna 2-3 times a week,
• those who used a sauna 4-7 times a week.

Of men who went to the sauna once a week, 49% of them died compared to 38% of men who went to the sauna 2-3 times a week and 31% of those who went 4-7 times a week. Men who had the most frequent visits to a sauna not only had a lower death rate overall, but also had a lower death rate from stroke and heart disease.

Study Confirms Previous Findings

This isn’t the first study to show the significant health benefits of spending time in a sauna. Previous studies have proven that regular sauna bathing helps patients who are at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. While it’s not recommended for people who’ve recently had a heart attack, it is generally safe for patients who have experienced mild heart failure. The saunas used in the study aren’t steam baths or hot tubs. Instead, they’re the saunas like the ones we sell: heated, wood-lined rooms. When you purchase your own sauna, you’ll want to make sure the air in the sauna is very hot and dry (although water can be added to produce a vapor if you choose).  

Simulates Exercise

In Finland, where sauna use is a cultural expectation, many Finns spend more time in the sauna than they spend working out. Finnish researchers say that time spent in a sauna is great for heart health. The high temps in the sauna can cause the heart to beat faster, which simulates levels achieved when someone completes a moderate-intensity workout. Researchers add that sauna use doesn’t replace the need for working out, but using a sauna is a healthy routine for patients concerned about heart health.

Try Your Own Sauna

You can enjoy the benefits of a sauna from the comfort of your own home. If you’d like more information about how you can do this, give us a call or stop by our showroom. We’d love to help you find the sauna that’s a perfect match for your needs and your budget.