The basics of cardiovascular health (CVH) remain a whole food, plant-based diet, fitness, avoidance of smoking, and adequate sleep. Beyond these pillars, sauna bathing has a surprisingly large amount of research to support its role for CVH. I have had a full spectrum infrared Sunlighten sauna in my home for several decades and strongly feel it contributes to feelings of health and happiness.
A new research study supports the observation that a sauna is a place for health, happiness, and better sleep.
THE NEW SAUNA STUDY
The aim of the study was to describe and compare sauna bathers with non-bathers in northern Sweden based on their demographics, health, and life attitudes, and to describe their habits.
Questions on sauna bathing habits were included in the questionnaire for the participants in the Northern Sweden MONICA (multinational monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) study, conducted during the spring of 2022, inviting adults 25–74 years living in the two northernmost counties of Sweden (Norr- and Västerbotten), randomly selected from the population register. Of the 1180 participants in MONICA 2022, 971 (82%) answered the question about sauna bathing. Of these, 641 (66%) were defined as bathers.
Sauna bathers reported less hypertension diagnosis and self-reported pain. They also reported higher levels of happiness and energy, more satisfying sleep patterns, as well as better general and mental health.
Sauna bathers were younger, more often men and found to have a healthier life-profile compared to non-bathers. Additionally, the results suggest that the positive effects associated with sauna bathing plateaued from 1–4 times per month.
DISCUSSION
Saunas appear to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. This is the result of a new study based on questionnaire responses and health surveys from participants in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. The research is published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
The ongoing Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) Study found that those who sauna bathed 2-3 times per week were 27% less likely to die from aging-related disorders like cardiovascular disease than those who don’t. Moreover, the benefits were found to be dose-dependent with those bathing 4-7 times a week being 50% less likely to die from cardiovascular-related causes.
Additionally, the KIHD study found frequent use to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline in a dose-dependent manner, and that frequent users were 40% less likely to die from all causes of premature death.
Sauna bathing has beneficial effects on the inner lining of arteries called the endothelium, may remove toxins in sweat, and lowers blood pressures. Some find it to be an adjunct to weight loss. Overall, access to sauna, infrared or of other design, is a recommended add on to a healthy lifestyle foundation.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting-edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/sauna-bathing-for-happiness-and-better-sleep
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22423982.2024.2419698#abstract
