There are so many great benefits to regular sauna use, especially for your health, relaxation and overall frame of mind. There are a couple of different times when you should not use a sauna, or should get the go ahead from your doctor before proceeding. We are here to help you determine when sauna use is safe and when you should proceed with caution.
If you are pregnant - According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101ยบ F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a sauna is not recommended during pregnancy. There are various types of saunas, and every sauna is programmed to maintain a different temperature and humidity level. Before choosing to use a sauna during pregnancy, it is best to seek the advice of your health care provider.
If you have certain heart conditions – If you have unstable angina pectoris, poorly controlled blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, advanced heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis, you should speak with your doctor before using a sauna. Since blood vessels dilate when exposed to heat, this can cause blood pressure to fall, which can be dangerous to those with heart conditions. Saunas can sometimes help these conditions when used properly, but work with a doctor prior to embarking on regular sauna use.
If you are taking certain medications - There are a number of medications that can affect the body’s normal response to heat either by inhibiting sweating or by otherwise interfering with the normal physiology. For example, some medications used for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or the use of stimulant medications for conditions like ADD or excessive sleeping also increases the health risks from heat exposure. If you are on any of these medications, please speak with your doctor before sauna use.
If you are using alcohol or drugs - If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not take a sauna session because the effects on your cardiovascular system can be increased. An intoxicated person may not pay attention to how much time has passed in the heat, or may not notice the early symptoms of over-heating, such as feeling lightheaded or nauseous. There is also the risk of falling asleep, which could be fatal in a sauna.
If you are under the age of 12 - Until puberty, kids can’t regulate their body temperature through sweat production as efficiently as adults can. This means that children under twelve or so are more vulnerable to the heat effects of the sauna. For this and other reasons, kids do not follow the same guidelines of sauna use as their parents. They should limit their time and make sure they drink plenty of water after they leave.
Many of the same tips for exiting a hot tub are also useful in leaving the sauna. In order to make sauna use a safe and relaxing experience, remember to keep your sauna temperature to no higher than 194°F (The maximum allowed sauna temperature in Canada and the United States is 194°F) and be sure to accurately monitor the temperature and lower as needed. Also, limit your stay to no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. As you are exiting, cool down gradually after use and avoid going rapidly from a hot to a cold environment.
You should also try to drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool water after each session to re-hydrate your body. Also, never take a sauna session if you are ill, and if you find yourself feeling unwell while in a sauna, head for the door.
Saunas And Stuff has an amazing selection of saunas for every style, home and lifestyle. They provide saunas for residential and commercial installations Please visit their website to check out the infrared and traditional rock sauna options, as well as all of the sauna accessories.
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