Saunas are a great way to relax and de-stress. However, they can also be very hot and uncomfortable if used for too long or if you are not an experienced sauna bather.
The amount of time you should stay in a traditional sauna will depend on many factors, such as your current health, health tolerance, experience, temperature and what you’re looking to gain with the sauna use.
How Long Should I Stay In A Sauna?
The dull answer to this question is: it depends.
If you are new to sauna bathing, it’s probably best that you start with a short 5-10 minute session and see how you feel. If you feel like it, you can hop back in for another round.
The key is listening to how you feel. If you feel any discomfort, dizziness or have an unpleasantly high heart rate, get out and cool off in a shower.
More experienced (Finnish) sauna users typically spend about 20-30 minutes in the heat before cooling off. A proper “sauna night” could last for hours, with multiple rounds of the sauna/cooling-off cycle.
Sauna Duration For Health Benefits
If you’re looking to get the many health benefits of sauna bathing, the recommended time spent in a sauna gets a little more specific.
A Finnish study tracking over 2,300 middle-aged men for over 20 years found that men who used a Finnish sauna for about 20 at a time 4-7 times per week had most reduced risks of fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD).
This means that for getting the most health benefits out of sauna bathing, you should sit in the sauna for about 20 minutes.
However, the right temperature and frequency of sauna use are equally important. These 20-minute sessions should take place in an 80 °C (176 °F) sauna for 4-7 times per week.
Comfort Is Key
Even if current research has found an “optimal” sauna duration for maximizing health benefits, it does not mean that it’s the best for everyone.
There is no single recommended “one-size-fits-all” sauna session length because there is so much variation between people.
The most important thing is to listen to your body and sauna bathe in a way that feels comfortable at all times. Then it is most likely to be the healthiest.
Staying In Sauna For Too Long Has Risks
Sauna bathing is a healthy habit when done correctly, but there are some things you need to consider for safety.
However, it’s important to know that staying in a sauna for too long can be dangerous.
Dehydration and overheating are two common risks associated with staying in a sauna for too long.
Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue, and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
Overheating can cause heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. It is important to follow the general guidelines for how long a person should stay in a sauna and to listen to your body to avoid these risks.
FAQ
How long should I stay in a sauna?
The general guideline for how long a person should stay in a sauna is 15 to 20 minutes. This is a good starting point for most people, but it is important to listen to your body and take breaks if you feel uncomfortable. Some people may need to take shorter or longer breaks, depending on their age and health conditions.
Can I stay in a sauna for longer than 20 minutes?
Staying in a sauna for longer than 20 minutes can increase your risk of dehydration and overheating. It is generally not recommended to stay in a sauna for longer than 20 minutes, especially if you are not used to the heat. If you want to stay in a sauna for a longer period of time, it is important to take frequent breaks and listen to your body.
Are there any factors that can affect how long I should stay in a sauna?
Yes, there are several factors that can affect how long a person should stay in a sauna. These include age, health conditions, and hydration. Older adults may need to take shorter or more frequent breaks because their bodies may not be able to handle the heat as well as younger adults.
Certain health conditions, such as heart disease or low blood pressure, can make it more difficult for your body to regulate its temperature. It is important to consult with your doctor if you have a health condition before using a sauna. It is also important to stay hydrated before and during a sauna session to prevent dehydration and overheating.
How can I avoid dehydration and overheating while using a sauna?
To avoid dehydration and overheating while using a sauna, it is important to follow the general guidelines for how long a person should stay in a sauna and to listen to your body. You should also drink plenty of water before and during a sauna session to stay hydrated. After a sauna session, it is important to cool down gradually by taking a cool shower or drinking some water. It is also a good idea to do some gentle stretching or other relaxation exercises to help your body recover from the heat.
What Happens If You Stay Too Long In A Sauna?
If you stay in a sauna for too long, you can become dehydrated and dizzy.
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, and fatigue. Dizziness is caused by a drop in blood pressure and can make you feel light-headed or unsteady.
Is It Safe To Stay In A Sauna For A Long Time?
This depends on your heat tolerance, how hot the sauna is and what you consider a long time.
When it’s not too hot, you can definitely safely sit in a sauna for long periods of time if you feel well and remember to stay hydrated.
However, if the sauna is very hot, staying in for too long can get dangerous.
How Long Is It Safe To Stay In A Sauna?
This depends on how hot the sauna is and what’s your heat tolerance like. If you’re a beginner, you should start with a 5-10 minute heat session and see how you feel. As a rule of thumb, you can sauna bathe for as long as you feel comfortable.
How Long Is Too Long In A Sauna?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on each individual’s tolerance to heat.
However, it is generally recommended that people stay in a sauna for no more than 15-30 minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
Is It Bad To Stay In The Sauna Too Long?
Yes, it is bad to stay in the sauna for too long. When you overheat your body, it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. So make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take breaks often if you plan on spending any length of time in the sauna.