INFRARED SAUNA / RESEARCH & RESOURCES
A warm pause.
An informed choice.
A warm, quiet session can sound inviting. If you’re curious about the health and recovery research, here’s a closer look at what was studied, who took part and what the findings can tell us.
Explore infrared sauna at Vitality →What can you expect from the research?
A warm, quiet session can be a welcome pause in a busy routine. Early infrared-sauna research suggests possible benefits for post-exercise comfort, but the studies are small and broader benefits remain uncertain. Enjoy the opportunity to slow down without treating sauna as a replacement for exercise or medical care.
Infrared and traditional sauna are different.
Infrared uses radiant heat and typically lower air temperatures. Findings from traditional sauna studies cannot automatically establish the effects of infrared sessions. Neither experience replaces exercise or medical care.
Read the evidence.
- Infrared sauna after resistance exercise →
Ahokas et al., 2023. Randomized crossover study of 16 male basketball players. A single session improved some recovery measures; this small athletic sample cannot establish broad or long-term health benefits.
- Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing →
Hussain and Cohen, 2018. Review of 40 studies with mixed populations and sauna types; many studies were small. Not proof of infrared-specific disease prevention.
- Do infrared saunas have health benefits? →
Mayo Clinic. Clinical consumer guidance on infrared heating and the need for larger, better studies.
- Saunas and your health →
Harvard Health. General sauna precautions, including hydration, avoiding alcohol and clinician review for certain conditions.
Is heat right for you?
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and leave if you feel unwell. Ask your clinician before sauna use if you have heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure or other medical concerns. Sauna does not replace exercise or medical care.
First visit? Your online request needs phone or text confirmation before your session.