How Often Should You Use a Sauna?

Whether you've just bought a sauna, or want to double-check the basics, we'll be covering everything you need to know about how long you should sauna.

How Long Should You Sauna?

Reminder that this is just a general guide to aid people who sauna; everyone is different and their needs might not be met with just a short session, or a long session might be too long for them. Another important thing to mention is heat; for the purposes of this guide, don't change the heat and the session length at the same time.

1. Beginners: If you're new to saunas, we suggest that you start with shorter sessions of 5–10 minutes. This allows you to get a good understanding of how your body handles heat.
2. Regular Users: For those accustomed to using them, 10–20 minutes per session is a perfect, easy goal. You should have used the sauna enough times at this point that 10 minutes should feel effortless.
3. Experienced Enthusiasts: Veteran sauna users can push their sessions to 20–30 minutes. At this point, you may have been using a sauna for months or even years. Listen to your body and react accordingly.

Factors to Consider

1. Type of Sauna: The different types of saunas affect how long you can handle the heat. For example, infrared saunas don't get as hot as traditional saunas, so you could go longer in an infrared.
2. Traditional Sauna: These saunas operate at high temperatures and start with low humidity, then add bursts of humidity through steam from the rocks. Shorter sessions of 10–15 minutes are the most common with traditional saunas.
3. Infrared Sauna: These function at lower temperatures by using infrared light, allowing for longer sessions of 20–30 minutes.
4. Steam Room: The steam can make the heat feel much more intense. Limit your time to 10–15 minutes to avoid overheating.
5. Your Personal Comfort: Your body will tell you once you've had enough. Look out for signs of dehydration, like a headache or fatigue.
6. Breaks and Cool Downs: In longer sauna sessions, try to take breaks every 10–15 minutes. Step out, cool off, and rehydrate before hopping back in.
7. Hydration: Drink water before, during, and after your session. Proper hydration helps regulate your body temperature and enhances your overall experience.

Special Considerations

• Health Conditions: People who are pregnant, sick, heat-intolerant, managing heart or blood pressure conditions, kidney disease, or neurological conditions, or taking medications that affect sweating or blood pressure, should speak with a healthcare professional before sauna use.
• Frequency of Use: How often you use a sauna is definitely a big consideration. Some people like to do a short session every day, while others like to do a longer, controlled session every once in a while.
• Temperature Settings: Heat is also a big consideration, since sessions will be much more difficult when done at a higher temperature. Some people use lower temperatures for a more therapeutic feel.
  

Finding Your Balance

The ideal sauna duration varies from person to person. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable. Remember, the goal is to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, not drained or overheated.

Saunas are a wonderful way to unwind and recharge. By paying attention to your body's signals and following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe, relaxing, and restorative sauna experience every time.