The Best Infrared Saunas Of 2023, According To Experts

Written by wpwp

• 

Posted on January 05 2023

Infrared technology relies on light waves, so it can penetrate the skin1 and warm up your core temperature directly; whereas, traditional saunas warm up the entire room before the warmth even reaches your skin. Meaning in order to reach the same level of efficacy, an infrared sauna can stay at a lower—and more comfortable—temperature than its traditional counterpart (~140 degrees Fahrenheit vs. ~185 degrees).

So one major benefit, according to psychiatrist and doctor of osteopathic medicine Roxanna Namavar, D.O., is that infrared saunas are more tolerable to people sensitive to heat while still putting the body under just the right amount of stress.

"When we stress our hormones out a little bit, we get great results in the long term. It's a concept written extensively in medicine," functional medicine doctor and mbg Collective member Amy Shah, M.D., tells us. Exercise or intermittent fasting are two examples, Shah explains, noting that "saunas are another stressor with beneficial downstream effects."

Some of those benefits may include better sleep quality and improved energy.

And though more research is needed to back up these claims, one small study found that participants experienced an increase in melatonin production2 and better sleep quality following infrared light therapy, which ultimately led to greater athletic endurance.

"Studies have looked at the impact of infrared saunas on conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, dementia/Alzheimer's disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, and found evidence of benefit3," Namavar says.

While more research is necessary to bolster these findings, Namavar notes, based on current understanding, there are "no negative effects from utilizing infrared therapy."

Comments

0 Comments

Leave a Comment