Heat Retreat: 5 Health Benefits of Using a Sauna
Whether you’re in search of a post-exercise recovery option, a go-to morning habit, or a way to take a load off at the end of the day, look no further than a sauna. The use of saunas dates back thousands of years, with the practice initially becoming widespread throughout Finland. Since then, saunas have made their way into the wellness routines of people everywhere. The small, heated rooms can even be found in some retirement communities, as they offer several benefits to promote healthy aging.
Read on to discover how a sauna supports mental and physical recovery, relaxation, and rejuvenation for older adults.
- Catch more Zs. If you’re feeling restless at night, regular sauna use might be the natural cure you need. In a 10- to 20-minute session, heat from the sauna raises your body temperature. When you leave, your body experiences a cooldown, triggering the release of melatonin. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, leading to an easier time falling asleep.
- Blow off some steam. Not all saunas use steam, but they can surely help you let go of some. Studies have found that repeated heat exposure helps mitigate feelings of stress and some symptoms of depression. With endorphins released, the parasympathetic nervous system activated, and cortisol lowered, many regular sauna users have said that they felt anxiety start to melt away.
- Breathe easier. Some people with colds, asthma, and COPD enjoy better lung function because of frequent sauna use. Saunas can loosen mucus in the respiratory tract and decrease congestion, which improves your breathing.
- Sore no more. Along with the mental relaxation from a sauna comes physical recovery for muscles and joints. Using a sauna allows your blood vessels to dilate and blood flow to increase, which promotes healing for everyone from athletes to those experiencing chronic pain. For those with rheumatoid arthritis or lower back issues, a sauna may become a key factor in finding relief.
- Listen to your heart. The heat of the sauna means an increased heart rate, allowing for improved circulation, good cholesterol levels, and oxygen flow. Because of this, recurring sauna use is associated with better cardiovascular respiratory fitness and decreased risk of heart disease.
A Few Safety Considerations
- Hydrate! Using the sauna means preparing to sweat. Make sure to drink enough water before and after to avoid dehydration.
- Consult a doctor. If you have a preexisting heart or other health condition that you are concerned about, check with a medical professional before sauna use.
- Be mindful of the time. Most people suggest spending a maximum of 20 minutes in a traditional sauna to avoid any adverse effects.
Sauna at The Vista
At The Vista, New Jersey’s premier continuing care retirement community, our residents can enjoy the benefits of a dry heat sauna. Located in the Reach Aquatic Center, the sauna is used by community members after taking a dip in the indoor heated pool or completing a group exercise class.
If you would like to learn more about how The Vista fosters mental and physical wellness, please call us at (201) 848-4200 or fill out this simple form.