Sauna Bathing: Understanding the Difference Between Traditional and Infrared Saunas
In today’s high-stress and fast-paced world, having a safe space to recalibrate and compose yourself makes all the difference. High-stress occupations (HSO) increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMO) due to factors like sleep deprivation, psychological and physiological stress, subpar nutrition, and lackluster physical activity habits.1 Heat exposure, specifically bathing in saunas, has been shown to improve CMO markers and may serve as a natural, non-invasive method for disease prevention. Since CMOs are the leading cause of death globally, finding the right sauna could be the turning point you’ve been looking for.2 It’s time, embrace NORGE.
How does it work and why does it matter?
Traditional sauna’s heat the air in within room, which in turn heats your body. This involves heating stones using a wood-burning, gas, or electric stove, and then pouring water over the stones to create the iconic steam. Typically, traditional saunas operate at a higher temperature than infrared saunas. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, heat your body directly using infrared light without significantly heating the room. The infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin, leading to deeper relaxation, improved circulation, cellular healing, and aiding detoxification.
Interesting fact:
Sauna steam is referred to as ‘löyly’ by Finnish sauna enthusiasts.
A-Tier Benefits
The most well-researched benefits of sauna bathing include reductions in blood pressure, leading to improved cardiovascular health, boosted endothelial function, decreased inflammation, and increased arterial compliance. Long-term sauna bathing has also been associated with enhanced left ventricular function.3 These benefits are linked to improved sleep, immune system health, and a decreased risk of neurocognitive disorders.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared? Why? It’s cooler—literally.
Scholarly research linked the usage of infrared saunas to the following health benefits:
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Improved mood
- Better cardiovascular health
- Quicker muscle recover post-exercise
When to use - Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas may provide both physical and mental benefits to almost everyone. Exceptions include those with a fever, pregnancy, or an existing health condition that could be negatively affected by sauna use. Conversely, if you are stressed, experience muscle pain or soreness, exercise, meditate, prefer lower temperatures, or simply want to relax, an infrared sauna might be for you.
Traditional Saunas
Tradition? Why? Thousands of years of research.
A lot of research on traditional saunas has been linked to the following health benefits:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Bolstering your immune system
- Decreasing the risk onset of dementia
- Improved skin health
When to use - Traditional Saunas
If you really feel the cold, a traditional sauna might be your best pick. Parallel to infrared saunas, traditional saunas can serve to improve cardiovascular and immune system health, detox, boost mental health, and soothe muscle pains. Similarly to infrared saunas, the main con is the potential for misuse by staying in too long and getting dehydrated.
The NORGE Verdict
We love saunas. Infrared, traditional, large, small, super-duper, rainbow—we want them all. Of the many benefits research shows from sauna use, the most important factor, in our humble opinion, is getting started.
To guide your decision, we view infrared saunas as superior detoxifiers due to the deep skin penetration of infrared rays. Another important factor is your sensitivity to heat, as infrared saunas generally operate at cooler temperatures than traditional ones. Overall, we believe the research supports health benefits from both traditional and infrared saunas. Your choice will ultimately come down to personal preference and circumstances.
References
1 - https://www.merriam-webster.
2 - https://www.who.int/news-room/
3 - https://jamanetwork.com/
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