The comforting warmth of a sauna is nothing short of magical, but is it wise to indulge in a sauna session when you’re under the weather? For centuries, saunas have been celebrated for their ability to relax the body and rejuvenate the mind. They’ve rooted themselves in traditions that extol their therapeutic benefits, as saunas are used for health and wellness across various cultures. But when illness strikes, questions arise—will a sauna help you feel better, or will it exacerbate your symptoms?
This guide will explore whether a sauna is good for you when sick, detailing its benefits, risks, best practices, and how you can use it to both recover and prevent illness in the future.
Are Saunas Good to Use When Sick?
The short answer? It depends. Many swear by saunas for mitigating the effects of colds or flu, yet caution is key. While saunas offer notable benefits like improved circulation and relaxation, they might not be suitable for all illnesses. Keep reading to understand how saunas impact your body during illness and when they’re a good—or bad—idea.
How Saunas Affect the Body During Illness
Saunas work by raising your body’s core temperature, inducing a sort of artificial fever. Fever is your body’s natural reaction to fighting off infections, and it boosts the production of white blood cells. The heat also leads to sweating in a sauna, which some believe can detoxify the body and enhance overall health and wellness. However, this heat can place additional strain on the body, especially if you’re already feeling weak from illness.
Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: What’s Better When Sick?
Infrared saunas deliver a gentler heat by warming your body directly rather than heating the air around you, making them a safe and effective option for many users. This may be a better option for people who are mildly sick and looking to reap the benefits of heat without exposing themselves to the more intense heat of a traditional sauna. On the other hand, traditional saunas with their hot, humid air might loosen mucus and help clear sinuses more effectively in cases of congestion.
Can You Use a Sauna While Sick With a Cold or Flu?
For mild colds or early symptoms of the flu, a sauna might help reduce discomfort. It can alleviate congestion and provide temporary relief for body aches. However, it’s important to listen to your body’s natural healing process. If you’re experiencing a fever, severe fatigue, or dizziness, it’s best to avoid the sauna, as the heat could worsen dehydration or strain your system.
Health Benefits of Using a Sauna When Sick
When used correctly, saunas can offer several benefits to support your body during mild sickness, especially when symptoms like a sneeze or runny nose arise.
Saunas Can Help Improve Blood Circulation
The heat from a sauna expands your blood vessels, increasing circulation. Improved blood flow promotes quicker oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, which can accelerate healing and boost energy, given that your body temperature is elevated.
How a Sauna Session Might Help Reduce Cold Symptoms
Feeling sick? Stuffy nose? Congestion? The steam in a sauna can work wonders by loosening mucus and opening airways—helping you breathe easier, if only temporarily.
Does Raising Core Temperature Help You Feel Better?
Many researchers suggest that the sauna-induced rise in core temperature mimics your body’s fever response, which can make your internal environment less hospitable to viruses and bacteria.
Saunas Can Provide Relaxation and Help Alleviate Body Aches
Being sick may be stressful. The warm, comforting heat of a sauna helps muscles relax, eases body aches, and promotes an overall sense of calm—allowing your body to focus on recovery.
Risks of Using a Sauna When Sick
While there are benefits, it’s crucial to weigh the risks of using a sauna when sick.
Can a Sauna Worsen Cold or Flu Symptoms?
If you have severe flu symptoms, particularly a fever, the additional heat stress from a sauna session could lead to dehydration and weakness. In such cases, it is best to limit your sauna time.
When to Avoid Using a Sauna While Sick
Avoid the sauna if you’re battling the following symptoms that could cause more harm than good.
- High fever
- Severe dizziness or fatigue
- Persistent coughing fits
- Nausea or vomiting
Risk of Dehydration: Why You Must Hydrate Before and After
The intense heat of a sauna causes significant water loss through sweating. When you’re sick, staying hydrated is even more important because dehydration can worsen your symptoms. Always drink water before and after your sauna session.
Dry Heat and Its Effects on the Respiratory System
While steam in traditional saunas can help with nasal congestion, dry heat can weaken and irritate your throat or make coughing worse. It’s especially important to assess whether the environment suits how you’re feeling.
Using a Sauna to Prevent Cold and Flu
Saunas can also be a proactive tool in illness prevention.
Regular Sauna Use and Its Impact on the Immune System
Studies suggest that regular sauna use can enhance immune function, making your body more resilient to catching the common cold or flu. Sauna sessions have been linked to an increase in white blood cell production, which helps fend off infections.
How Saunas Might Help Reduce Your Risk of Illness
By enhancing circulation, relieving stress, and promoting better sleep, saunas create a stronger foundation for overall health—reducing your vulnerability to illness.
Can a Sauna Help Strengthen Your Body Against Viruses?
While no wellness routine can guarantee immunity, using a sauna regularly improves your cardiovascular health and stress levels, indirectly boosting your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Best Practices for Sauna Use When Sick
If you decide to use a sauna while sick, follow these guidelines to maximize its benefits while minimizing risks.
How to Safely Use a Sauna When Feeling Under the Weather
- Keep your session short—10 to 15 minutes maximum to limit your sauna exposure
- Opt for gentle heat levels to avoid overheating
- Sit near the door to leave easily if you feel unwell
Importance of Hydration Before and After a Sauna Session
Hydration is crucial. Dehydration from sweating while sick can intensify fatigue and other symptoms, so drink water before, during, and after your sauna session.
Should You Consult With Your Doctor Before Using a Sauna?
If you have any underlying conditions, such as heart issues or respiratory problems, consult with your physician before heading to the sauna.
The Bottom Line on Saunas and Sickness
While saunas can offer mild relief for cold symptoms and promote relaxation, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always listen to your body, stay hydrated, and avoid saunas if your symptoms are severe or involve a fever.
Bear Naked Saunas: Find the Right One for You
Your wellness deserves the best, and Bear Naked Saunas has a variety of options to meet your needs when it comes to health and relaxation.
The Mama Bear Sauna
Spacious, eco-friendly, and ideal for families or groups seeking relaxation and wellness.
The Papa Bear Sauna
Perfect for ultimate luxury, featuring cutting-edge heating systems in a large format.
The Baby Bear Sauna
Compact yet powerful, this sauna is perfect for those with limited outdoor space but unlimited love for saunas.
At Bear Naked Saunas, our expertly crafted designs combine health benefits with a luxurious experience. Reach out today to find the perfect sauna for your wellness goals.
