Åsa Engström, professor in Nursing
31 October 2024
Sauna bathing can improve health
A new study led by researchers from Luleå University of Technology, among others, shows that sauna bathing can have positive effects on both physical and mental health in residents of northern Sweden. The study, which included participants from Norrbotten and Västerbotten, found that people who take saunas regularly report better general health, higher energy and reduced incidence of high blood pressure compared to those who do not.
The study is based on data from the 2022 MONICA survey, where 1180 participants aged 25-74 years were randomly selected from the population register and answered questions about their lifestyle and health. 66% reported taking a sauna at least once a month, and these people showed consistently better health outcomes compared to those who did not.
Participants who took saunas regularly reported a lower incidence of high blood pressure, less physical pain and higher satisfaction with their sleep patterns. They also had better mental health, felt energized and were more satisfied with life. Interestingly, these health benefits were most evident among those who took saunas between one and four times a month - those who took saunas more often did not see the same increased effects.
A tradition with health benefits
Sauna bathing has a long tradition in northern Sweden, and this study is one of the few that has examined how sauna bathing affects health in this region. Research has shown that sauna bathing can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving sleep quality.
“Sauna bathing appears to act as a form of passive heat therapy with effects similar to those of physical exercise. Our results suggest that regular sauna bathing can help reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other health problems,” says Åsa Engström, Professor in Nursing.
The majority of sauna bathers spent an average of 15-20 minutes in the sauna per session, at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. Social aspects also seem to play a role, as many reported that they often saunaed together with others. This social dimension may be a further explanation for the positive effect of sauna bathing on mental well-being.
Partners
- Karlstad University
External link, opens in new window. - Uppsala University External link, opens in new window.
- Umeå University External link, opens in new window.
Read more about
- The MONICA study External link, opens in new window.
- Nursing
- Sauna bathing in northern Sweden: results from the MONICA study 2022 External link, opens in new window.
- Don’t Skip the Sauna at the Gym—It Might Make You Feel Happier and Healthier, Study Finds - Health.com
External link. - Regular sauna users report better health, more energy, and greater happiness - PsyPost External link.
Contact
Åsa Engström
- Professor and Head of Subject
- 0920-493875
- asa.engstrom@ltu.se
- Åsa Engström
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