Why Sauna in the Summer?

Improve Your Cardiovascular Health

Regular sauna use has been consistently associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and all-cause mortality [1]. Long-term studies involving over 2,300 Finnish men have shown that the benefits are dose-dependent - meaning greater frequency of sauna sessions is linked to stronger protective effects [2].

Furthermore, Sunlighten is the only infrared sauna company with clinical proof of lowering blood pressure. Specifically, it has been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, enhance circulation, and improve endothelial function—all in a safe, non-invasive manner [3].

Support Year-Round Detoxification

In today's world, we’re constantly exposed to a wide range of environmental and industrial toxins – from heavy metals to other harmful chemical compounds - that accumulate in our bodies over time. Toxin exposure does not pause during the summer, making ongoing detoxification essential.

Infrared saunas provide a powerful, natural method to enhance the body’s ability to eliminate these substances through sweat. Research has shown that sweating induced by sauna use can effectively remove toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury [4].

Sunlighten’s infrared saunas use patented SoloCarbon® technology to raise core body temperature by up to three degrees. This deeper heat penetration promotes a more productive sweat, helping your body expel toxins stored in fat and tissues.

Maintaining regular sauna sessions – including during summer – helps ensure your body stays clear of these accumulating toxins, supporting overall health and vitality.

Support Muscle Recovery

Staying active in warm weather can be challenging – heat and exercise often increase muscle fatigue, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Regular infrared sauna use, offers a natural and effective way to boost recovery and protect muscle health, helping you stay energised and resilient all summer.

Research led by Dr. Michael Hamblin, the chair of Sunlighten’s Scientific Advisory Board, showed that red light and near-infrared (NIR) therapy supports muscle repair by enhancing mitochondrial activity. It increases ATP production, reduces inflammation, and limits oxidative damage after exercise, contributing to higher muscle mass and quicker recovery [5].

Moreover, A study in The Journal of Athletic Enhancement6 tested 10 national-level power athletes over a 5-day, intensive training period. Each evening, athletes used far-infrared heat and light therapy (40 min at ~50 °C). Compared to passive rest, their performance and power improved significantly – and they showed a higher testosterone‑to‑cortisol ratio (an indicator of better recovery capacity).

Regular sessions can help you train harder, recover faster, and enjoy peak performance throughout summer.

Support Mental Health, Lower Stress and Sleep Better

Summer heat doesn’t just affect the body – it can leave you feeling hot, bothered, and mentally fatigued. While longer days and higher temperatures can disrupt routines and raise stress levels, maintaining regular infrared sauna use offers a natural way to restore balance. Supporting your mental well-being, calming the nervous system, and promoting deep, restorative sleep are just as essential in summer as any other season.

Heat therapy may improve symptoms of depression by stimulating core body temperature and activating neural pathways linked to serotonin production. A small, double-blind trial found that raising participants’ body temperature to around 38.5 °C produced noticeable reductions in depressive symptoms—even six weeks after a single session [7].

Infrared heat gently activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system, helping to lower cortisol – the body’s main stress hormone. This hormonal and physiological reset supports a clearer and calmer mind. It’s no wonder, that many Sunlighten customers choose to habit stack by meditating in our Saunas. Many studies have shown the benefits of meditation for reducing inflammation, cortisol, and cytokine chemicals and increase calm [8].

Also, according to a 2019 Global Sauna Survey, 83.5% of sauna users reported improved sleep quality following infrared or traditional sauna use9. Users frequently describe falling asleep faster, enjoying deeper rest, and waking feeling refreshed.

Improve Your Heat Resilience

Infrared sauna sessions can help your body gradually adapt to warmer temperatures – a process known as heat acclimation. This natural adaptation supports your ability to handle hot weather more comfortably and maintain energy during activities like outdoor exercise, travel, or even just day-to-day summer routines.

While traditional saunas use high air temperatures to create thermal stress, infrared saunas use gentle, penetrating heat that warms the body directly. This raises your core temperature more efficiently and stimulates a cardiovascular response—promoting increased circulation, deeper sweating, and improved temperature regulation over time.

Research shows that even moderate passive heat exposure, like that produced by infrared saunas, can lead to beneficial thermoregulatory and cardiovascular adaptations when used consistently. These include lower resting heart rate, expanded plasma volume, and improved heat tolerance—all key to feeling stronger and safer in the heat [10].

Regular use of an infrared sauna offers a consistent and accessible way to build heat resilience, making your body more adaptable and better equipped to stay cool and comfortable in hot conditions.

Summary

While the idea of using a sauna during summer might seem counterintuitive, infrared sauna therapy offers unique benefits that complement – and even enhance your body’s natural ability to thrive in warm weather. From building heat resilience and supporting cardiovascular health to aiding detoxification, muscle recovery, and mental well-being, consistent sauna use throughout the year can elevate your overall wellness. Embracing infrared sauna sessions in the summer helps maintain these vital health gains, ensuring you stay balanced, energised, and refreshed all year round.

REFERENCES

Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2015). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 542–548. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2130724
Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2020). Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 95(2), 275–286. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltext
Edwards, B., Kort, H., & Foxworth, J. (2005). A Study of the Health Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy. University of Missouri–Kansas City. https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/9832d3f0-685b-0021-9fc3-0a88ee8dfc7a/f28f3d4e-13ee-4325-8c66-29002ae2f7d2/UMKC%20Lower%20Blood%20Pressure%20Sauna%20Study.pdf
Genuis, S. J., Birkholz, D., Rodushkin, I., & Beesoon, S. (2011). Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 61(2), 344–357. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21057782/
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5167494/
Leung, T. K., Lee, C. M., Lin, M. Y., Ho, Y. S., & Chen, C. C. (2013). Effects of Far-Infrared Heat on Recovery in Power Athletes. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 2(6). https://www.scitechnol.com/peer-review/effects-of-far-infrared-heat-on-recovery-in-power-athletes-iTXW.php?article_id=3736
Janssen, C. W., Lowry, C. A., Mehl, M. R., Allen, J. J., Kelly, K. L., Gartner, D. E., ... & Raison, C. L. (2016). Whole-body hyperthermia for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 73(8), 789–795. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2521478
Janssen, C. W., Lowry, C. A., Mehl, M. R., Allen, J. J. B., Kelly, K. L., Gartner, D. E., … & Raison, C. L. (2016). Whole-body hyperthermia for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 73 (8), 789–795. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24395196/
Hussain, J., et al. “A Hot Topic for Health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019) – 83.5% of users reported improved sleep. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31126560/
Chalmers, S., Esterman, A., Eston, R., & Norton, K. (2021). Passive Heat Acclimation Improves Endurance Performance and Cardiovascular Function in the Heat: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine, 51(6), 1131–1145. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33627275

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WRITTEN BY: Sunlighten

Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten® is the #1 choice for personalized infrared light treatments. Since 1999, we have been committed to innovating wellness products and services that empower our customers to improve their quality of life. Our patented SoloCarbon® technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Our technological innovations are fueled by our passion to make a difference. And we are building a global community of businesses, consumers, and trusted experts to support each other along the way and make the world a healthier, happier place.

Sunlighten saunas are not a medical device as defined by Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Sunlighten provides general information relating to various medical conditions for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please consult with your physician regarding diagnosis or treatment.