Infrared saunas provide similar benefits to those of traditional saunas, but employ infrared heat as their heating source instead of carbon or ceramic heaters. Their infrared heaters emit electromagnetic infrared heat waves of radiation, which are capable of penetrating and heating your body. This allows infrared saunas to heat both the air and your body at the same time. As with any sauna, there are risks associated with using the device.
Dehydration
One of the most common dangers associated with the use of an infrared sauna is dehydration. As infrared radiation penetrates your body, and as the infrared energy heats up the air around your body, you will begin to sweat. If your body is already dehydrated, or if you spend too long in the sauna without re-hydrating, your body can become severely dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, headache, lack of sweating and a fast heartbeat, states the Mayo Clinic. If you experience any of these signs you should exit the sauna immediately and hydrate yourself.
Pregnancy
Those who are pregnant should not use an infrared sauna. According to the American Pregnancy Association, elevating your body temperature in a sauna above 101 degrees Fahrenheit can raise your risks of complications and birth defects, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Fever
If you have a fever you should avoid using an infrared sauna. The Peace Health Organization states that a fever is any elevated temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Using an infrared sauna when your body temperature is already elevated can increase your risk for heat stroke. Severe heat stroke can cause your body's organs to stop functioning and in some cases can even result in death. When your body is experiencing a fever it is important to take part in activities that reduce your body's temperature, not increase it.
Hypotension
As your body temperature rises in an infrared sauna, blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow to the surface in order to help regulate your body temperature. This vasodilation can cause a drop in blood pressure. For those who suffer from hypotension--low blood pressure--this effect could cause your blood pressure to reach dangerously low levels.
Children
Children should always be supervised when using the infrared sauna. Because of their small size, children's core body temperatures rise much faster than adults. Children may become dehydrated much faster, and are at a higher risk for severe cases of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Very young children are also still developing their circulatory system's abilities to sweat and regulate their body temperature, as such it may be better to not allow them in the sauna at all.
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