Sauna Dan Stroehlein Sauna Dan Stroehlein

Sauna Safety

There may be risks with the use of a sauna if you have the following conditions. Always consult a physician before using a sauna if you have:

  • High blood pressure or heart problems. Saunas make your heart work harder than normal.

  • Known medical conditions. Some of these include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, angina and other conditions.

  • Just finished exercising. After strenuous exercise, let your heart rate come down to resting levels first.

  • Recently consumed alcohol or recreational drugs. Using the sauna afterwards could affect your heart, impair sweating and produce overheating.

  • Take certain medications. Don't use a sauna if you take medications that interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature or make you drowsy.

  • Are pregnant. According to whattoexpect, sauna use during pregnancy could lead to dizziness, dehydration or lower blood pressure.

    Safety tips

  • If you're able to use the sauna, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating before and after your sauna.

  • Keep sessions short. You can build up your tolerance for the heat over multiple visits.

  • Limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes. Even healthy individuals should limit their time to 15 to 20 minutes in a sauna.

  • Monitor how you feel. If you are sensitive to the heat, feel dizzy, nauseous or begin to feel uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately.

  • Don't take a sauna when you are ill, and if you feel unwell during your sauna, head for the door.

  • Stay hydrated. Always hydrate beforehand, and drink two to four glasses of cool water after each session. Drink mineral water or juice to replace electrolytes lost through sweating.

  • Use the buddy system. Bring a friend or family member with you in case problems do occur.

  • Remove jewelry. Metal jewelry, including rings and small earrings, can heat up very quickly and cause skin irritation or burning.

  • Protect your hair. Sauna heat can leave your hair shafts dry and brittle. A towel or shower cap can help protect it.

  • Dress appropriately. Wearing loose fitting clothes, a swimsuit or a towel is good since heavy clothing can lead to overheating.

  • Rest and cool off afterwards. Lie or sit down for at least 10 minutes, then take a cold shower to help bring your body temperature to normal levels.

  • Sauna use can be very good for your body and relaxing when used safely.

Read More