Infrared saunas have surged in popularity in recent years. Replacing bulky heated stones with streamlined radiant panels, they tend to be smaller and operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, making them a practical fit for spaces ranging from upscale gym locker rooms to compact urban apartments. But do infrared saunas deliver the same health benefits and effectiveness as the classic Nordic versions that inspired them?
DISC’s Dr. Vivek Babaria recently sat down with Men’s Journal to delve into the science behind saunas. The board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional spine and sports medicine physician weighed in on the pros and cons of each sauna type and what people should know before try their own sweat sessions.
First, Dr. Babaria cautioned that much of the research done over the last few decades has been on traditional saunas, meaning that when it comes to infrared tech, “we are extrapolating.”
That said, he does believe that both infrared and traditional saunas have benefits – one is just more convenient than the other, which could increase its use.
“I don’t think an infrared sauna gives you more benefit [than a traditional sauna], but I think infrared allows for convenience,” Dr. Babaria said. “So you might be more consistent with it.”
So, how do saunas benefit our health?
“The cardiovascular benefits are, first and foremost, the most consistent in the research,” Dr. Babaria told Men’s Journal. “When you have heat increasing skin surface temperature, one of the most immediate measurable benefits you’re getting is heart-rate elevation, which can mimic being in a higher heart-rate zone.”
In fact, a 2019 study found that 25 minutes in a sauna increased subjects’ heart rate to the same extent as moderate exercise. While the study was done using a traditional sauna, this benefit would carry over to infrared, Dr. Babaria said. “If you’re doing infrared, it just requires more time. So the session length ends up being longer.”
Additional benefits Dr. Babaria noted are the soothing of sore muscles, better sleep and joint pain relief, just to name a few.
But, as with any change to a person’s wellness routine, he urged readers to check with their doctors before trying infrared or traditional saunas, as they aren’t universally safe for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions.
“If you have a neurological condition that doesn’t allow you to feel sensation or temperature, that would be risky,” Dr. Babaria told Men’s Journal. “People with conditions like multiple sclerosis would be another one that comes to mind. People who might have Raynaud’s syndrome or inflammatory diseases. Severe cardiovascular patients. If you’re on a pacemaker or taking anti-arrhythmic medication. Those are just some of the people who should be wary of using an infrared sauna.”
As far as which kind is safer, Dr. Babaria said it ultimately comes down to consistency, since neither option is going to benefit your health unless you actually use it regularly. “I think you should choose based on which one is in your budget, and how often you’re going to use it,” he explained. “[The best option] is whichever one you’re going to be more consistent with.”
Read the full Men’s Journal article HERE.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Babaria HERE.
