Saunas have proven themselves safe and effective for treating a long list of issues. From reducing stress to alleviating chronic pain, they’ve helped many people overcome problems that detract from their quality of life. Though sauna sessions may seem pretty straightforward, certain factors should be considered beforehand. One is the amount of time you can safely spend in a sauna.
There’s no conclusive answer to this question because the right time to spend in sauna varies. You can learn more at portablesaunas.com about the variables that factor into this equation. In the meantime, explore some of the basics to give you an idea of how long your sauna sessions should be.
Personal Tolerance
Your heat tolerance is one factor that’ll determine how long you can stay in a sauna. Each person is unique. What feels comfortable to one person may be unbearably miserable for another. Listen to your body and base your sauna sessions on how long you can handle the heat. Beginners might want to start with just a few minutes and gradually work up to longer sessions.
Type of Sauna
The type of sauna you’re using can also help determine how long your sessions should be. Dry, infrared, and steam saunas each generate their own types of heat. Dry saunas tend to be hotter, so safe session times may be shorter. They should typically range from 10 to 20 minutes. In contrast, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, so you may be able to spend up to 30 minutes or even longer in them.
Temperatures
Saunas heat up to different temperatures as well. They can range from 150 degrees to around 200 though some fall outside those norms. The higher the temperature is, the less time you should be exposed to it. If you start feeling dizzy or sick, get out of the sauna immediately no matter how long you’ve been in it.
Hydration
Sweating in a sauna can cause dehydration. It happens faster than most people realize. You need to drink plenty of water to replenish the fluids you lose through sweat. The more hydrated you are, the longer you can safely stay in a sauna. Just don’t go overboard.
Medical Conditions
People with some medical conditions should be careful when using a sauna. Heart problems, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions may warrant shorter sauna sessions. In some cases, it may be best to avoid saunas altogether. Despite their potential health benefits, it’s important to exercise due caution if you’re living with certain medical conditions.
Safely Enjoying Your Sauna
Safe, effective sauna sessions aren’t the same for everyone. Your heat tolerance, the type of sauna you’re using, and its temperature settings will partially determine how long you should stay in a sauna. Your personal goals also enter the mix. If you have a medical condition that could make using a sauna dangerous, that should also be taken into account. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but the factors listed above can help you decide how long your sauna sessions should be.