The average sauna temperature
The typical temperature range of a sauna is between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C).
The temperature mostly depends on the type of sauna you are using and your personal preference.
Some people can only handle short periods in a sauna while others can stay for hours.
The average person can stay in a sauna for about 15 to 20 minutes before they need to take a break.
It also depends on how well-hydrated you are. If you are not well-hydrated, you will likely feel the effects of the heat sooner.
In addition, if you have moist heat or dry heat, that can also make a difference in how long you can stay in the sauna.
The bottom line is there is no such thing as an ideal sauna temperature. You should start slow and increase the amount of time you spend in the sauna as your body becomes more acclimated to the heat.
Sauna vs Steam room
The main difference between a sauna and a steam room is the humidity.
Most steam rooms have 100% humidity because it’s filled with steam, whereas a traditional sauna has low humidity. After all, the air is dry.
The heat in traditional saunas is also more intense than in a steam room because the steam room is cooler and the air is moister.
The bottom line is that it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer.
Both the steam bath and the sauna have their own set of benefits, so it comes down to personal preference.
If you want a more intense heat, then a dry sauna is probably the better choice. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, then a steam room might be better for you.
Different types of saunas
Here are some of the different types of saunas and how they produce heat.
1. Infrared saunas
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to create heat. These saunas are becoming increasingly popular because they are thought to be more effective than traditional saunas.
The infrared light penetrates the skin and heals the body from the inside out. This type of heat is thought to be more beneficial because it helps to improve circulation and detoxification.
2. Steam sauna
As the name suggests, a steam sauna uses steam to create heat. These saunas are usually found in gyms or health clubs.
The steam is created by boiling water and then the user sits in the enclosed space. The benefit of this type of sauna is that it can be very relaxing and help to improve circulation.
It also helps in intoxication, where you can sweat out the toxins.
3. Wood-burning saunas
If you are looking for a traditional sauna then a wood-burning sauna would be a great choice. It uses wood-burning stoves as its steam generator.
This type of sauna is very popular in Europe and Scandinavia. It usually takes around 30 minutes to heat up but once it’s hot, it can stay warm for hours.
The wood-burning sauna is a great choice if you want the traditional sauna experience.
4. Electric saunas
Electric saunas are becoming increasingly popular because they are very easy to use. All you need to do is plug them in and they will start heating up.
These types of saunas use electric sauna heaters to produce dry heat. The electric heater sauna heater will be plugged into a wall outlet and then the user can sit in the enclosed space to enjoy the heat.
Electric saunas are very easy to use and don’t need hard maintenance to keep them running.
5. Smoke saunas
A smoke sauna is a type of sauna that uses wood to create heat. It’s very similar to a wood-burning sauna but the difference is that the wood is burned in an enclosed space.
The smoke from the burning wood will fill the room and this is what will create the heat. These types of saunas are very popular in Finland.
Smoke saunas are different from other types of saunas because they take longer to heat up but once they are hot, they can stay warm for a long time.
6. Finnish saunas
Another traditional type of sauna is the Finnish sauna. These saunas use wood to create heat and they are very popular in Finland.
You can also use hot rocks to create heat. The Finnish saunas are usually very small and they can be found in homes, gyms, and health clubs.
Finnish saunas are different from other types of saunas because they use dry heat. This type of heat is thought to be more beneficial because it helps to improve circulation and detoxification.
Health benefits of saunas
As we mentioned earlier, saunas are not being used only for pleasure and relaxation, it’s also being used for health benefits.
There are many health benefits associated with saunas, such as:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improving skin health
- Detoxification
- Weight loss
- Relaxation
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves mental health
Saunas can also help to relieve pain, such as
- Arthritis pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Stress
- Anxiety
How to use a sauna?
Now that we know the different types of saunas and their health benefits, let’s take a look at how to use a sauna.
Using a sauna is very simple. All you need to do is sit or lie down in the enclosed space and enjoy the heat.
You can stay in the sauna for as long as you want but it’s recommended to stay for around 15 minutes.
It’s important to drink plenty of water before and after using a sauna because the heat can cause you to become dehydrated.
if you are a complete beginner, it’s always a good idea to start with a lower temperature and then work your way up. You should also take a break in between sessions so that your body can adjust to the heat.
Conclusion
So there you have it! When it comes to sauna temperatures, there are no one size fits. It all depends on your preferences and what you are looking to get out of the experience. Always start with a lower temperature and work your way up. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!