We at www.SaunasAndStuff.com would like to help demystify the health risks of saunas and give you some facts about the risks:
- Cooling down is as important as the heating process in your sauna session. It is safe to take a few moments after exiting the sauna before entering a cold plunge in a pool or shower. After your session you can turn the sauna off, open the door slightly, and allow your body to cool down for 10 minutes. If you shiver afterward, it is a sign of the automatic responses of your body trying to warm itself back up. You may want to reenter the sauna and allow your body to cool longer afterward. If you ever feel slightly sick after using the sauna, a less hot sauna and warmer, longer cool down is suggested for future use. Sleep disturbances can also occur if your body is not cooled down properly, so give yourself sufficient time to cool down after using the sauna.
- Prolonged stays in the sauna may lead to the loss of electrolytes from the body, which is similar to what can happen to your body after rigorous exercise. Risks of dehydration leading to heat stroke can occur if you are not hydrating enough. Always drink plenty of fluids before, during and after using the sauna. Using the sauna during alcohol withdrawal or while “hung over” can also cause dehydration, so it is not recommended to use the sauna after a night of drinking.
- Ease yourself into regular sauna use slowly to lower the risks. Start with short intervals once or twice a week, and work up from there. And always remember, if at any time during your sauna session you feel dizzy, sleepy or any discomfort, exit the sauna immediately.
Saunas have many health benefits and should be used correctly to eliminate any risks associated with them. Please submit any additional questions to www.SaunasAndStuff.com to answer. We support using saunas safely to maximize the health benefits!