Exposure to heat is associated with lasting benefits Overall health.
Spending time in a heating environment like a sauna reduces the risk of several chronic diseases; Helps to improve sleepresearch shows.
In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, Todd Anderson, co-founder of Dream Performance & Recovery and host of the “Beat the Heat” podcast, shared the lesser-known benefits of spending time in a sauna.
Exposure to sunlight can have life-changing health benefits, experts say
“Saunas were feeling good, so we went to something that could actually be a longevity tool,” said a Nashville-based health and wellness expert. “Combination with this hard science Longevity explosion And popularity has created something. ”
Spending time in a sauna can have multiple health benefits, research has shown. (istock)
Increased “sauna bathing” has been associated with sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease and reduced risk of fatality Cardiovascular disease A Finnish study shows all-cause mortality rates.
Participants in the 2019 Global Sauna Survey also reported health benefits related to mental well-being and sleep, but that had little negative effects.
The study found that participants, particularly those from Finland, Australia and the US, were most motivated to use saunas. For relaxation.
How fever improves sleep
Saunas can improve your lifespan and mood, but Anderson, whose podcast is hosted inside the sauna, added that exposure to fever can also improve sleep.
A sleep-deprived night can have these amazing health effects
He said that if your body gets hot before sleep, it opens blood vessels and allows the body to gain more circulation in the limbs.
The body’s core temperature needs to be cooled about what extent to get you to a good quality sleep, but raising your body temperature may seem “counter-intuitive,” experts added.

When your body gets hot before sleep, it opens blood vessels and allows the body to gain more circulation in the limbs, experts said. (istock)
However, as the blood vessels are open and pump more blood, this will lower the temperature of the core more quickly, and the body’s instinct is to cool itself after being exposed to heat.
“You enter a cold, dark room…and suddenly, you can lower the temperature of your core much faster than normal, and as a result Falling asleep Get faster and higher quality sleep throughout the first part of the night,” Anderson said.
“Many evidence shows that the virus is not working in high temperature environments.”
Experts added that the same benefits of sleep can be captured in hot baths, showers or hot tubs.
“Long life and all-cause death benefits will be particularly relevant to saunas,” he said. “But there are some great sleep studies [showing the benefits] Apply all kinds of heat before going to bed. ”
The virus won’t get hot
According to Dr. Roger Sehert, exposure to fever can also help boost the immune system, as the body’s natural response to fighting disorders is to spike fever.
Strengthen your immune system with these 8 simple steps
Methods like steam saunas can help raise the body’s natural temperature and help Kill the virus It doesn’t work in the heat, he said.
“Many evidence shows that the virus is not working in high temperature environments and that our bodies use fever to signal our innate immune system,” the California-based doctor told Fox News Digital.

Methods like steam saunas can help raise the body’s natural temperature and kill viruses that don’t work in the heat. (istock)
In addition to Health benefitsAnderson said he formed lasting friendships during the sauna session.
“It’s a rare bubble in our society where phones don’t work now. You’re face-to-face. You’re experiencing some controlled adversity,” he told Fox News Digital. “There [are] So many things I think have been dissipated from society that has been brought back to life in the sauna. ”
“When you experience stress together, your brain is wired and encourages you to connect with others.”
Accessibility for everyone
Saunas have become popular in many cultures over generations, so enjoying the sauna does not require membership in a luxurious health club.
“There are ways to make them out of scrap wood, and there are a few different, inexpensive heating options,” he said.

Todd Anderson (right) sits outside the sauna after a session with Ken Rideout on “Beat the Heat.” (Todd Anderson)
In Finland, a country where saunas are part of everyday life, Anderson, who recently visited there, says there are over 5 million people and 3 million saunas.
“Almost all of them have a sauna in their own home,” he shared.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
In many countries, saunas are part of the overall culture and can have healing properties, Anderson continued.
“It’s a feeling. It’s very stress-free and harmonious with the physical connections. The family does it together. That’s this mental thing.”

In many countries, saunas are part of the overall culture and can have healing properties, Anderson said. (istock)
Appropriate practices and potential risks
According to Harvard Health, the average person loses a pint of sweat during a short session with dry heat in a sauna.
“The pulse rate can jump by more than 30%, and almost double the amount of blood the heart pumps every minute,” says a Harvard Medical School publication.
Visit us for more health articles www.foxnews.com/health
“Most of the excess blood flow is directed towards the skin. In fact, circulation actually avoids blood from the internal organs. blood pressure It is unpredictable, rising in some people, but falling in others. ”
Saunas are generally safe for most people, but Harvard Health is a type of person with uncontrolled hypertension or Heart disease You must check with your doctor before you can participate.

“Dry heat in the sauna (which could be 185°F) has a huge impact on your body,” writes Harvard Health. (istock)
Sauna participants should also be avoided Alcohol and medicine According to the same source, it could “sweat and overheat before and after the sauna.”
Harvard recommended staying in the sauna within 15-20 minutes, then gradually cooled down.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Drinking 2-4 glasses of cold water after the session is also encouraged.
“Don’t take a sauna when you’re sick,” warned Harvard Health. “And if you feel uncomfortable between your sauna, head to the door.”