Saunas naturally promote perspiration, which helps cleanse pores and refresh the skin. The increased circulation supports a healthy glow, while studies (Lee, Roh, & Lee, 2006) indicate that infrared heat can stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin, enhancing skin firmness, smoothness, and aiding in the treatment of sun-related skin aging.

These relaxation effects often carry over into sleep. By reducing stress and promoting a calmer state, sauna sessions can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. In a small survey(Hussain, Greaves, & Cohen, 2019) of regular sauna bathers—those using a sauna once or twice per week—83.5% reported noticeable improvements in their sleep quality, suggesting that sauna bathing may be a simple and natural aid for better rest.

Long-term research has linked regular sauna use to better heart health and longevity. In a 20-year cohort study (Laukkanen, Khan, et al., 2015) of 2,315 middle-aged men, sauna bathing one to seven times per week was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as reduced all-cause mortality, with greater benefits seen at higher frequencies of use. A separate 15-year study involving both men and women reported similar protective effects(Laukkanen, Kunutsor, et al., 2018).