How to Control the Temperature of a Sauna

by bruno souza January 11, 2022

Sauna Heat Guide: Average Sauna Temperature for Safety and Comfort

In the world of saunas, understanding the range of heat is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Traditional steam saunas, often made of wood and equipped with heaters, typically offer the hot environment that many sauna users seek. The temperature in these saunas can vary significantly, usually depending on the type of heater used, whether it’s a wood-burning stove or an electric heater, each providing a unique heating pattern.

In contrast, infrared saunas provide a different experience. These saunas use infrared heaters to directly warm the body, offering a gentler approach to heating. This is especially important for those who are mindful of excessively high temperatures. Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures, making them a perfect choice for individuals seeking the benefits of a sauna session without the intense heat.

Lastly, it’s worth noting the practices of Finnish saunas, where the sauna culture is deeply ingrained. In Finland, sauna sessions often involve higher temperatures and are a fundamental part of life. The staff in Finnish sauna facilities are experienced in advising on the best temperature, usually aiming to create the perfect balance between heat and humidity, thereby enhancing both relaxation and sleep quality for users. This traditional approach offers a stark contrast to infrared saunas, showcasing the diversity and range of sauna experiences.

The Average Sauna Temperature: What You Need to Know

When you think of a sauna, you probably imagine a cozy room filled with heat, right? But not all saunas are the same, and heat levels vary.

Here are the average temperatures in different saunas and how these temperatures can change between dry and wet sauna experiences.

Typical Temperature Ranges in Different Saunas: Tradition Sauna and Infrared Sauna

Saunas can be found in many types but generally fall into two categories: traditional and infrared.

In a traditional sauna, the heat can range from about 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional saunas might sound really hot, but they're the perfect range for sauna benefits like relaxation and sweating. Keep in mind that in a traditional Finnish sauna, which often employs a wood-burning heater, the air is not just hot but also filled with steam from water poured over hot rocks. This setting creates a dry-heat environment that can feel like a warming workout, intensifying the sauna session.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are a bit cooler. An infrared sauna temperature usually stays between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The key difference here is that infrared saunas don't heat the air around you as much. Instead, they use special infrared lights to warm your body directly, providing a different type of benefit. This method allows for a less intense but equally effective sauna bathing experience, depending on your preferences and the best sauna temperature for your body. The result is a sauna session that works to relieve stress without the high temperature and confined space of traditional saunas.

In conclusion, whether you play it safe with the lower temperatures of an infrared sauna or engage in the more intense traditional sauna, both types offer substantial health benefits. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and how your body reacts to different sauna settings.

How Temperature Varies in Dry vs. Wet Saunas

A dry sauna is exactly what it sounds like—it's dry, with no steam involved. In a dry sauna, typically heated by an electric heater, the air is hot, allowing for heat therapy that raises your body temperature in a way that feels warm but not overwhelming. This might enable you to determine your sweet spot for a longer time spent in the sauna, potentially leading to better sleep and regular sauna use.

Wet saunas, often called steam rooms, add moisture to the mix, creating a different kind of sauna experience. Although the temperature in these saunas is usually a bit lower, often around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the high humidity makes the heat feel more intense. This means you might not stay in a sauna as long as in a dry sauna, but heat therapy can be just as effective in its own way.

The main difference between dry and wet saunas lies in how the heat feels because of the moisture in the air. Dry saunas, though hotter, feel less intense, providing a variety of benefits for those who love the traditional sauna experience. Wet saunas, while cooler, offer a more intense experience due to steam, which can be ideal for those looking to improve their well-being, as many have found and experienced. Remember, whether it's the infrared sauna temperature or the conventional wet sauna, the kind of heat therapy you choose should align with your personal goals and how your body reacts.

The Science Behind Sauna Temperatures

Sauna bathing is more than just a way to relax and unwind. There's actually some pretty interesting science behind how they work, especially when it comes to the heat and humidity inside them.

Let's explore how sauna heat affects your body and why the level of moisture in the air, known as humidity, is important, too.

How Heat Affects the Body in a Sauna

When you sit in a sauna, the high heat affects your body. First, your skin temperature rises, and you start to sweat. Sweating is your body's way of cooling you down. It might seem uncomfortable, but it's actually good for you because it helps cleanse your skin and can make you feel refreshed.

The sauna heat also makes your blood vessels expand, a process known as vasodilation. When your blood vessels expand, your blood circulation increases. Better blood flow can help relax your muscles, reduce pain, and even lower your blood pressure. It's like giving your body a gentle, warm hug from the inside!

In addition, the core body temperature increases within the sauna temperature ranges. Regular sauna use, especially in the temperature range typically found in saunas, whether heated by infrared light or more traditional means, can have significant effects on your overall health. Research suggests that spending time in this temperature range can improve circulation and contribute positively to life, ultimately depending on how your body heats and reacts.

The Importance of Humidity Alongside Sauna Temperature

While sauna heat is important, humidity plays a big role, too. In a dry sauna, where there's very little moisture in the air, the heat feels more intense, but it's actually easier for your body to handle. That's because dry air helps sweat evaporate quickly, which cools you down. Dry saunas, often equipped with infrared heaters, allow sweat to evaporate faster, aiding in managing core temperature effectively.

In a wet sauna or steam room, the air is full of moisture. This humidity makes it harder for your sweat to evaporate, so you might feel hotter even though the temperature is actually lower than in a dry sauna. High humidity can make your skin feel more hydrated, but it also means you might not be able to stay in the sauna as long because the heat feels more intense. In such settings, a cold plunge post-sauna can be beneficial for regulating body temperature and enhancing circulation.

So, whether you're in a dry or wet sauna, the combination of heat and humidity works together to give you that warm, soothing experience. Each type of sauna offers a slightly different experience due to how heat and humidity affect your body. It's a journey of finding the right balance that aligns with your personal preferences, whether that involves a relaxing shower after a 20-minute session or adjusting the sauna temperatures and door to set the ideal humidity levels for a week’s worth of sauna sessions.

Safety First: Optimal Sauna Temperatures for Health and Well-being

Saunas can be a fantastic way to relax and feel good, but it's important to do them safely. The human body can handle different levels of heat, and it's essential to know the right temperature for your body, especially if you have specific health conditions or are of a certain age.

Let's look at the recommended temperatures for different groups and how to spot and prevent overheating.

Recommended Temperature Ranges for Different Age Groups and Health Conditions

For most adults, a safe sauna temperature is between 65 and 79 degrees Celsius. However, if you're new to using a sauna, start at the lower end of this range and see how you feel. You can always increase the temperature gradually, especially if using a sauna type like an infrared sauna that heats the body directly with infrared waves, offering a more controlled heat exposure.

For older adults, particularly those over 65, it's best to stick to the lower end (around 150 degrees Fahrenheit). As we age, our bodies don't handle extreme heat as well. This is crucial in sauna types like steam baths or those with a steam generator, where the relative humidity can make the hot air feel more intense. Regular sauna bathers of this age group should monitor the average temperature and ideal session length to avoid severe burns or heat stress.

If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, check with your doctor first. They might suggest a lower temperature and shorter sauna sessions, particularly in saunas with a wood-burning stove or other intense heat source. This is to ensure that your immune system is not overly taxed and your body is not exposed to toxins at a level that might feel uncomfortable or dangerous.

For kids, it's a different story. Children should only use a sauna under adult supervision and for short periods of time. The temperature should be lower, no more than 38–49 degrees Celsius. In a sauna like the Russian competitor, where water is poured on the stove, creating a burst of steam, it's essential to keep the temperature and humidity levels within a safe range to avoid risks to the child's developing body.

Signs of Overheating in Sauna and How to Prevent Them

Overheating in a sauna can happen, so it's vital to know the signs. If you start feeling dizzy or nauseous or get a headache, these are warning signs that your body is getting too hot. Other signs include excessive sweating, a rapid heartbeat, or feeling lightheaded.

To prevent overheating, follow these tips:

Don't stay in the sauna for too long. Start with 5–10 minutes and see how you feel. You can gradually increase your time, but usually 15-20 minutes is enough.
Drink plenty of water before and after your regular sauna session. Water helps keep your body hydrated and cool.
Take breaks. If you're feeling too hot, step out of the sauna for a bit. Cool down, and then you can go back in if you feel up to it.
Listen to your body. If you're feeling uncomfortable or something doesn't feel right, it's time to leave the sauna.

Maximizing Comfort in a Sauna: Finding Your Ideal Sauna Temperature

The key to a great sauna experience is finding the right temperature that suits you. Not everyone enjoys the same level of heat, and that's perfectly okay.

This section will help you understand how to personalize your sauna experience based on your desired temperature preferences and provide tips on how to comfortably adjust to higher temperatures.

Personalizing Sauna Experience Based on Your Temperature Preferences

Finding your ideal sauna temperature is a personal journey. Here's how you can do it:

Start Low: Begin with a lower temperature, around 54–66 degrees Celsius. This is a comfortable starting point for most people.
Stay a Short Time: Initially, limit your sauna sessions to about 5–10 minutes. You can increase this as you get more comfortable.
Pay Attention to Your Body: How do you feel at the current temperature? If you're comfortable, you can stay at this level. If it feels too cool, you can try something a bit warmer next time.
Incremental Increases: If you decide to increase the temperature, do it in small increments, like 5 degrees at a time. This helps you find the perfect spot without getting too hot too quickly.

Tips for Gradually Adjusting to Higher Temperatures

If you want to enjoy higher temperatures in the sauna but find it challenging, here are some tips to help you adjust:

Gradual Increases: Don't rush to high temperatures. Gradually increase the heat over several sessions. This helps your body tolerate and adapt to the heat without discomfort. Being aware of your current state is crucial, especially to minimize risks like dehydration or dizziness.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before going into the sauna. Staying hydrated is essential to helping your body handle the heat better. Remember, dehydration is a key factor to be aware of when enjoying a sauna, as it can essentially crank up the intensity of the heat you feel.
Listen to Your Body: If you feel dizzy, too hot, or uncomfortable at any point, it's time to take a break. People feel heat differently, so it’s important to listen to your body and act accordingly. Ideally, you should step out, cool down, and only return if you feel completely okay.
Use a Timer: Keep track of time. It's easy to lose track of the warmth and relaxation, especially when you’re enjoying the experience. A timer helps you be precise about the length of your sauna session, ideally suited for whichever temperature you prefer.
Cool Down Between Sessions: If you're doing multiple rounds in the sauna, cool down in between. This can be a shower or just sitting in a cooler room. Cooling down between sessions is a practice many Finns account for, and it helps your body adjust and prepares you for the next round.

Finding your ideal sauna temperature is all about balancing heat with comfort and listening to what your body needs. This approach is not wrong; it’s basically about enjoying the sauna in the way that best suits you.

Advanced Sauna Techniques: Adjusting the Temperature for Enhanced Benefits

If you're a sauna enthusiast looking to get more out of your sessions, there are advanced techniques you can try. These techniques involve playing with the temperature and humidity inside the sauna to enhance your experience and health benefits.

Let's explore some of these methods, like the Aufguss technique, and see how varying the temperature can offer different health perks.

Techniques like Aufguss and Their Impact on Temperature Perception

One popular advanced sauna technique is called 'Aufguss'. This is a German word meaning 'infusion'. During Aufguss, water mixed with essential oils is poured over the hot sauna stones.

Here's what happens:

Creating Steam: Pouring water on the stones creates a burst of steam, which makes the sauna feel hotter.
Spreading the Heat: Often, a towel is used to fan the air, spreading the steam and heat evenly throughout the sauna.
Enhanced Experience: The addition of essential oils adds an aromatherapy element, making the experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
Perceived Temperature Increase: Even though the actual temperature doesn't increase much, the humidity from the steam makes it feel hotter.

Experimenting with Temperature Variations for Different Potential Health Benefits

Different temperatures in the sauna can offer various potential health benefits, including:

Lower temperatures (around 49–65 degrees Celsius) are great for relaxation and stress relief. It's ideal for longer sessions, as it's easier on the body.
Moderate temperatures (approximately 65–79 degrees Celsius): Good for improving circulation and muscle relaxation. Perfect for a balanced sauna experience.
Higher temperatures (approximately 80–91 degrees Celsius): This can offer more intense detoxification through sweating. However, these should be shorter sessions as the heat is more intense.

When experimenting with different temperatures:

Start Slow: Begin with what you're comfortable with, and then try slightly higher temperatures.
Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If a certain temperature feels too intense, it's okay to dial it back.
Stay Hydrated: Higher temperatures mean more sweating, so drink plenty of water.
Rest Between Sessions: If you're doing multiple rounds, rest and cool down in between to let your body recover.

By trying these advanced techniques and varying the temperature, you can tailor your sauna experience to your personal health goals and preferences.

Sauna Temperature Myths Debunked

Saunas are popular, but there's a lot of misinformation out there about how they should be used, especially regarding temperature. It's important to separate fact from fiction for a safe and enjoyable sauna experience.

Below are some common myths about sauna heat and the truth behind them.

Common Misconceptions About Sauna Heat and Reality

Myth 1: The Hotter the Sauna, the Better

Reality: This isn't necessarily true. While a good sweat can feel great, too much heat can be risky, especially for people with certain health conditions. The ideal temperature is one that feels comfortable for you, typically between 150 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit for most people.

Myth 2: You Can Lose Weight by Sweating in a Sauna

Reality: Any weight loss in a sauna is primarily due to water loss through sweat, not fat loss. This weight comes back when you rehydrate, which is important for your health.

Myth 3: Saunas are for Everyone

Reality: Most people can enjoy saunas, but they're not suitable for everyone. For example, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions (like low blood pressure or heart problems) should avoid high temperatures or consult a doctor first.

The goal of using a sauna is to relax and feel good. There's no need to push yourself to uncomfortably high temperatures. Finding the right balance for your body is the key to a beneficial and enjoyable sauna experience.

In Summary

When it comes to sauna use, temperature is important, but everyone has different preferences. The key is finding your own point of comfort through trial and error. Pay attention to how your body reacts at different temperatures and humidity levels.

Stay hydrated, listen when your body says it has had enough heat, and don’t push yourself too far outside your comfort zone. Increase the heat slowly, take breaks as needed, and find the temperature range that makes you feel relaxed yet invigorated.

In conclusion, the perfect sauna temperature varies for each individual, and it’s worth noting that the sauna experience depends greatly on personal preferences. Whether it’s the hotter temperatures of traditional Finnish saunas with their hot rocks or the gentle infrared heat from infrared lamps in home saunas, the standard is what feels comfortable for you. Regular sauna users, especially those in far infrared saunas or conventional saunas, understand that each session can potentially contribute to their mental health and overall well-being over extended periods. The sauna building process, whether installing it at home or entering a public sauna, should always consider the average person’s ability to tolerate different types of heat. Ultimately, engaging in the sauna is a rewarding process designed to promote longevity, relaxation, and a sense of well-being in a clean, safe environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sauna Temperatures

What Is the Ideal Temperature for a First-Time Sauna User?

If you're new to saunas, start with a lower temperature to ease your body into the experience. A good starting point is between 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is warm enough to give you the benefits of a sauna without being overwhelming. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the temperature in later sessions. The Finnish Sauna Society, renowned for its dedication to traditional sauna culture, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between temperature and humidity for an optimal sauna experience.

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna Based on the Temperature?

The length of time you should stay in a sauna depends on the temperature and your comfort level. Here's a general guide:

At lower temperatures (approximately 65 degrees Celsius), you can stay for about 10–15 minutes.
At higher temperatures (approximately 80–91 degrees Celsius), limit your time to about 5–10 minutes.

Always listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, overly sweaty, or uncomfortable at any point, it's time to step out and cool down.

Can Adjusting Sauna Temperature Help with Muscle Pain?

Adjusting the temperature in a sauna may help with muscle pain. Warmer temperatures (around 160–175 degrees Fahrenheit) can potentially relax your muscles and relieve pain. It's important to start at a lower temperature and gradually increase it to see what works best for you.

Is it safe to use a sauna every day?

Using a sauna every day is generally safe for healthy individuals, as long as you stick to a comfortable temperature and duration (no more than 15-20 minutes per session). However, if you have any health concerns, it's best to check with your doctor first.

Does sauna temperature affect skin health?

Yes, sauna temperatures can potentially affect skin health. The heat and sweat can help cleanse the skin and open pores. However, it's important not to overdo it, as too much heat can dry out your skin. Staying hydrated and moisturizing after a sauna session can help maintain healthy skin.