“Regular infrared sauna use has helped my anxiety immensely. It helps me reset my mind and sweat out any anxious feelings I may have been carrying throughout the day.”
Paul Thomas, founder of Sauna Squad
Hi guys. Paul from Sauna Squad here. I thought I’d weigh in on whether infrared sauna helps with anxiety because it’s a topic that has hit close to home for me.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, I can positively say that regular infrared sauna use has helped my anxiety immensely. It helps me reset my mind and sweat out any anxious feelings I have been carrying throughout the day.
But hey, I know that’s anecdotal evidence. Yes, it has worked for me but what does the science actually say? Is there physiological evidence to support it?
Does infrared sauna use genuinely help with anxiety?
Stick with me here. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how infrared saunas might help with anxiety relief and deliver a better quality of life for you, like it has for me.
Understanding Modern Anxiety & Infrared Sauna: Impact on Daily Life
According to Middle East Current Psychiatry, 301 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, with many more suffering in silence. I was in the latter category for a long time until I reached out for help.
Anxiety is typically caused by a stress hormone called cortisol. Think of cortisol as the body’s alarm system. It turns on when we feel threatened, getting us ready to respond. But in today’s world, where we often feel stressed, cortisol can stay high and negatively affect our bodies and minds.
By understanding anxiety and the helpful role of infrared saunas, we can make better choices for managing anxiety and improving our overall well-being.
Does Infrared Sauna Help Anxiety?
Yes, infrared sauna does in fact help with anxiety from a physiological perspective. According to an article by ATUNE Health Centres, these saunas offer various mental health benefits, including decreased infrared sauna cortisol levels.
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, MD, conducted studies revealing that just one weekly infrared sauna session can reduce depressive symptoms by about 50%. Additionally, a single session shows a rapid antidepressant effect lasting up to six weeks, thanks to whole-body hyperthermia—a safe and effective depression treatment.
The same article highlights this aspect. Regular use of these saunas has decreased cortisol levels, our body’s primary stress hormone, reducing stress levels and mental illness.
Lower cortisol levels can lead to reduced stress and anxiety. Some studies suggest that sauna sessions can lower both state and trait anxiety. Moreover, sweating in the sauna can promote relaxation and alleviate frustration and anxiety, making it a beneficial heat therapy for mental well-being.
Therapeutic Benefits of Infrared Saunas for Anxiety Management
If my experience is any indication, infrared saunas are (anecdotally speaking) becoming increasingly popular for relaxation and their therapeutic effects, particularly in managing anxiety and anxiety disorder.
Let’s explore how they can benefit anxiety management and act as natural antidepressants.
1. Cortisol Reduction
Regular sessions in an infrared sauna have been scientifically proven to lower Infrared sauna cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Reduced cortisol means a calmer state of mind, translating to less anxiety and better emotional well-being.
2. Mood Elevation
The comforting warmth from infrared saunas can trigger the release of endorphins and euphoric hormones, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This flood of endorphins can boost your mood, making individuals dealing with anxiety and anxiety disorder feel happier and more content.
3. Enhanced Relaxation
Infrared therapy in saunas directs heat to your body, helping muscles and blood vessels relax and relieving tension. This deep relaxation offers a peaceful break from daily pressures and stressors, easing sauna panic attacks. The soothing warmth can alleviate muscle tightness, creating an environment that encourages profound relaxation.
4. Improved Sleep
By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, infrared saunas can improve sleep quality. Better sleep is a crucial component of anxiety management, as inadequate rest can exacerbate anxious feelings and impact serotonin levels.
5. Increased Circulation
The heat emitted by infrared saunas has the added benefit of boosting blood circulation, aiding in efficiently releasing toxins, and promoting overall well-being.
For those managing anxiety, this enhanced circulation can be valuable in maintaining physical and mental health, especially for depressed patients.
With the help of infrared saunas, individuals can enjoy more restful and rejuvenating sleep, ultimately contributing to better control of anxiety and a balanced body temperature.
Article wrap up
I hope this article provided you with some confidence that you, too, can get your anxiety under control and not necessarily by use of medication. My experience with infrared sauna in overcoming my anxiety has been positive, but it may not be that way for everyone.
It is important to discuss your options for dealing with your anxiety, including infrared sauna therapy, with a healthcare professional before making any rash decisions. While these saunas show promise in managing anxiety and providing infrared saunas for anxiety healthcare benefits, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
The effects, including the physical benefits, can vary significantly among individuals, meaning what helps one person may not help another.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not meant to provide medical advice. Consult with a doctor before beginning this alternative treatment and scheduling your sauna time. It’s essential to understand the full scope of infrared sauna benefits and any possible risks to ensure it’s the right choice for managing sauna for anxiety and depression.
FAQS
Yes, infrared heat can help reduce anxiety by decreasing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
The infrared sauna releases endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” chemicals, and relaxes muscles, improving well-being.
Yes, regular sessions in an infrared sauna can alleviate anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones.
While many individuals have reported benefits, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy is essential.
The timeline for experiencing anxiety relief through infrared sauna sessions differs from person to person. Some may need multiple sessions, while others might feel better after just one.
Please keep in mind that results are only consistent for some. To better understand how these saunas might impact your health, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.
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