The Risk of Dry Saunas

According to the American Sauna Society, bathing in a dry sauna can improve sleep, relax sore muscles, relieve stress and tension, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, improve kidney function, increase resistance to illness and improve the condition of the skin. However, there are also some dangers to bathing in dry saunas for certain individuals.

Risks

Because of the high heat of dry saunas, which are commonly kept between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius, there is a risk of hyperthermia, or becoming too hot and getting dehydrated, according to an "American Journal of Public Health" article by Edward Press, M.D., M.P.H., published in 1981. Family Doctor also recommends avoiding the sauna if you are pregnant since the high heat can increase the risk of miscarriage. The cardiovascular changes temporarily brought on by dry-sauna bathing have also caused heart attacks in people with heart disease.

Research

A 2006 literature review by K. Kukkonen-Harjula published in the "International Journal of Circumpolar Health" states that most of the studies available include data collected using uncontrolled study designs on subjects who have used dry saunas since childhood. More research is needed using better study designs and subjects that aren't accustomed to sauna bathing.

Prevention/Solution

To limit the risks of dry-sauna bathing, follow a few simple precautions. According to the "American Journal of Public Health," keep temperatures at or below 80 degrees Celsius, and limit stays in the sauna to 15 minutes for healthy individuals. If you are taking medications that make you sleepy or interfere with body-temperature regulation, are over 65, or have health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, seizure disorders, obesity or hypertension, limit dry-sauna stays to five to 10 minutes.

Considerations

Alcohol use significantly increases your risks of adverse effects when in a dry sauna. According to a 2001 "American Journal of Medicine" article by ML Hannuksula, consuming alcohol increases the risk of arrhythmia, hypotension and sudden death in the sauna, so avoid it.

Expert Insight

Most healthy individuals can use a dry sauna without worries, according to Hannuksula. Even healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies can safely use the sauna for short periods of five to 10 minutes if the temperature is set to 70 degrees Celsius or lower. However, those with severe aortic stenosis, recent myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris should avoid using a dry sauna.