There's hardly anything more annoying than feeling sick. Whether it's just annoying seasonal allergies or a nagging mild fever, being under the weather can really zap your energy and make you feel completely out of it.
But here's some potentially good news—slipping into the warm embrace of a sauna might be just what you need to bounce back to your lively self. They're like a secret weapon for getting your energy back and finding some much-needed relaxation.
Now, you might wonder, what's the deal with saunas making us feel better, and which type is the best for helping us recover faster? Let's find out!
Benefits of Using Sauna When Sick
Regular sauna bathing may reduce the incidence of common colds, enhancing our body's ability to fight off illnesses. It also feels like hitting a reset button is particularly beneficial when battling a cold or flu.
Relieves Congestion
When you're sick, getting rid of congestion is a big deal. Research shows that things in the air, like dust, pollen, smoke, and tiny bugs, can make our noses stuffed up and lead to worse problems like sinus infections, bronchitis, and even lung diseases. This is where saunas, come to the rescue.
The idea is that the warm, moist air you breathe in while in a sauna can reach all the way into your lungs. This helps to break up and get rid of the thick mucus that's making it hard for you to breathe. It also cleans out any other bits and pieces that shouldn't be there. Basically, saunas can make it easier for you to breathe and lower your chances of getting lung infections.
Strengthens Immune System
When you're sick, your immune system is like your body's own superhero team, fighting off the bad guys—like bacteria, germs, and infections—that try to make you sick. But sometimes, even superheroes need a boost. That's where using a sauna might help.
When you sit in a sauna, and the temperature goes up, it's kind of like tricking your body into thinking it has a fever. This is actually a good thing because, according to researchers, this fake fever that the sauna creates makes your body produce more white blood cells and other fighters that help your immune system.
It's like giving your body's superhero team an extra set of powers to fight off the invaders faster and more effectively, helping you recover from illnesses quicker.
Alleviates Seasonal Allergies
For a lot of us, when the seasons change, we start to sneeze more, our noses run, and our eyes get itchy. It turns out, hanging out in a sauna might be just the thing you need to fight these annoying symptoms.
Recent studies have found that the steam you get from being in a sauna may be really good at helping you get rid of mucus or phlegm that's sticking around in your airways. This isn't just about feeling less stuffed up.
The warm, humid air in saunas can also cut down on irritation and swelling in your nose and throat. That means those tough symptoms of seasonal allergies, like sneezing and itchy eyes, can get a lot better.
Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
Believe it or not, feeling sore isn't just because you worked out too hard or bumped into something. Sometimes, your muscles can hurt because of certain health issues like dystonia, which makes your muscles contract weirdly, or fibromyalgia that makes you feel pain all over.
Even when you catch the flu, your body might ache all over. This is all stuff that experts at WebMD talk about. Here's where the magic of the sauna kicks in.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the warmth from a sauna can really get into your muscles and help loosen them up. This means those super tight muscles that were causing you pain can start to relax. It's kind of like when you feel a muscle spasm coming on, and then it just goes away.
That heat is also awesome because it helps send blood that's full of oxygen and important stuff like nutrients straight to parts of your body that are hurting. This doesn't just make you feel better, but it also helps your body heal faster.
Reduces Stress
When you're sick or just feeling really achy and sore, it's totally normal to start worrying about what's happening inside your body. The cool thing is, chilling in a sauna can actually help you feel a lot less stressed out.
Picture this: you're sitting in the cozy warmth of a sauna, and your body starts to chill out by lowering the amount of cortisol (that's the stress hormone) and pumping out endorphins, which are pretty much your body's way of making you feel awesome. These endorphins are like nature's painkillers and mood lifters, making you feel happy, relaxed, and peaceful. It's kind of like your body's way of giving you a big, warm hug from the inside.
According to the folks over at Cleveland Clinic, this combo of less cortisol and more endorphins can really kick pain to the curb and make you feel super serene.
Enhances Sleep Quality
When you're feeling sick, getting a good night's sleep can feel like an impossible mission. Even if you take medicine, you might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning, trying to get back to sleep.
But here’s a cool fact: spending some time in a sauna could really help you catch those Z's.
Here's why: Scientists have found that our body temperature goes down when it's time for us to go to bed.
Now, when you hang out in the warm vibe of a sauna, your body temperature goes up a bit on purpose. After you leave the sauna and your body starts to cool off, this tells your brain, "Hey, it's sleepy time!" This cool trick can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep way more easily.
Potential Risk of Using Sauna When Sick
While saunas have many benefits, it's super important to be careful if you're thinking about using one when you're not feeling well. Here's the scoop on the potential risks:
- Feeling Dizzy or Faint: When it's hot, your body works hard to keep you cool. If you're already sick, this can make you feel dizzy or even faint because your body is under extra stress.
- Dehydration: Saunas make you sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration. When you're sick, staying hydrated is key to getting better, so losing too much water isn't a good idea.
- Heart Problems: If you have heart issues, you should probably avoid the sauna. The heat can make your heart work harder, which might not be safe if your heart is already having a tough time.
- Risk of Spreading Germs: If you're sick with something contagious, like a cold, being in a sauna can spread those germs to other people. Always think about the health of others, too.
- Pregnancy Concerns: Some studies say that being in really hot places, like a sauna, might not be good for the baby. It could increase the chance of having problems during pregnancy or even cause certain birth defects.
When you're sick, be careful with using a sauna, and it's really best to ask a doctor first.
Tips for Using Sauna When Sick
If you decide to use a sauna when you're feeling under the weather, here are some tips to keep in mind to make sure you're doing it safely:
- Drink Plenty of Water: Stay super hydrated by drinking lots of water before, during, and after your sauna session. This helps prevent dehydration.
- Keep It Short: Don't stay in the sauna too long. Start with short sessions of about 5-10 minutes and see how you feel.
- Take It Easy: If you're not feeling great, don't push yourself. Relax and enjoy the warmth without doing any intense sauna exercises.
- Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling dizzy, super tired, or just not right, leave the sauna. It's better to be safe and take care of yourself.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you're really sick or have health problems, check with a doctor before using a sauna. They can give you advice that's right for you.
- Avoid If Contagious: If you could spread your sickness to others, it's better to stay out of public saunas. Wait until you're feeling better.
Remember, using a sauna can feel great and has some cool benefits, but staying safe is the most important thing!
Different Types of Saunas
Different saunas have unique benefits when you're not feeling well. Here's a quick rundown:
- Traditional saunas heat up with rocks and can reach 195°F. This high heat helps with deep detox and relaxation. Adding water to the rocks creates steam, which feels great.
- Infrared saunas don't heat the air around you. Instead, they use light waves to warm your body directly. This can be gentler, heating deep into muscles at a cooler 140°F. It's good for detox, skin, heart health, and mood.
Pick the Right Sauna When Sick
Baldwin 2 Person Indoor Traditional Steam Sauna
If you're looking to bring some warmth and wellness into your home, check out the Baldwin 2-Person Traditional Steam Sauna. It's like having your own little spa right at home! This sauna isn't just about the heat; it's a stylish piece too, with cool glass doors and beautiful wood that comes from Canadian Hemlock trees. It smells great and looks even better.
The inside is big enough for two people to chill comfortably, thanks to seats that make sure you're sitting just right. And guess what? It's got a new Harvia 3.5kW Sauna Heater with real Finnish Lava stones that get the steam going fast, making your relaxation time even better.
This sauna is perfect for anyone or any couple looking to up their wellness game without leaving their house. You can set it up super quick, in about an hour, and if you have any questions, there's a team ready to help you out.
Gracia 1 Person Low EMF Infrared Sauna
For someone looking to create a little slice of paradise in their own home, the Gracia 1 Person Low EMF Infrared Sauna is a game-changer. This sauna, built with premium Canadian Hemlock wood, is all about giving you a space where peace and joy are the main vibes. It’s not too big or too small, perfect for one or two people to relax in comfort.
The outside measures are 39 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 75 inches high, while inside, you get a cozy 35 inches by 32 inches by 68 inches. One of the coolest features is the music system with Bluetooth capability — just sync up your phone and play your chill playlists through the dynamic speaker. There’s no built-in radio, but who needs that when you have your tunes, right?
Inside, you’ll find 7 carbon heating elements that warm you up just right and a tempered glass door that keeps the heat in while adding a touch of elegance. The LED control panel and interior lighting, which includes reading/chromotherapy lights, make it easy to set the mood.
Assembly is pretty straightforward with a clasp-together design, meaning no special tools or skills are needed. It runs on a standard 120V/15amp electrical service, so you can plug it in just about anywhere. Gracia 1 Person Low EMF Infrared Sauna
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sweat out a virus in a sauna?
Sweating in a sauna might feel relieving, but it doesn't actually make a virus leave your body quicker. Your immune system is what battles the virus, and staying hydrated and rested is key to recovery.
Does sauna help with stuffy nose?
Using a sauna can indeed help clear up a stuffy nose by creating warm, moist air that loosens mucus. It's like a natural decongestant that helps you breathe easier.
How long should you sit in a sauna when sick?
The ideal duration for a sauna session when you're not feeling well is generally between 10 to 15 minutes. Overstaying in the sauna can lead to dehydration and might exacerbate your symptoms rather than provide relief.
Is a sauna good for sore throat?
While a sauna might not cure a sore throat, the warm, steamy air can provide soothing relief and make swallowing less painful. It's a gentle way to relax your throat muscles and dampen irritation.
Can Sauna Prevent the Common Cold?
Using a sauna when you're sick can be part of your recovery strategy as long as you remember a few key points. First, keeping hydrated is very important. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to avoid dehydration. Also, listen to what your body is telling you. If you're feeling too sick, it's better to skip the sauna and rest. Remember, pushing yourself too hard when you're not feeling well can actually make things worse, not better.
If the idea of relaxing in a sauna appeals to you, especially during those times when you're fighting off a cold or just feeling under the weather, consider the option of having a private sauna right at home.
CalmSpas offers a wide selection of both traditional and infrared saunas to fit your preferences and needs. Having a personal sauna could be a real game-changer for your wellness routine. For more details on our collection or if you need help deciding which sauna is right for you, feel free to give us a call.