Many people view sauna bathing as a relaxing, social activity that increases well-being. A new study, “Sauna Bathing in Northern Sweden”, shows that those who take a sauna regularly, one to four times a month, are significantly better off than those who do not take a sauna at all.
Frequent sauna bathing has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and proposed as a mediator for improved health. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to describe and compare sauna bathers with non-sauna bathers in northern Sweden based on their demographics, health and life attitudes, and to describe sauna bathers’ sauna habits.
The study from Luleå University of Technology is based on data from the 2022 MONICA survey, where 1180 participants aged 25-74 years were randomly selected from the population register and answered questions about their lifestyle and health. 66% reported taking a sauna at least once a month, and these people showed consistently better health outcomes compared to those who did not.
The study has been published in International Journal of Circumpolar Health and concludes that there were no major differences in physical well-being between the groups in the study, but the majority of participants experienced better sleep one to two nights after taking a sauna.
Of the 1180 participants in MONICA 2022, 971 (82%) answered the question about sauna bathing. Of these, 641 (66%) were defined as sauna bathers. Sauna bathers reported less hypertension diagnosis and self-reported pain.
Sauna bathing has a long tradition in northern Sweden, and this study is one of the few that has examined how sauna bathing affects health in this region. Research has shown that sauna bathing can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving sleep quality.
“For those who want to test the health effects of a sauna, try it for 15–20 minutes. That is the time span used in the Swedish study and also in many Finnish studies. Start with a comfortable temperature, create an environment that suits your needs, whether alone or in the company of others,” says Åsa Engström, Professor in Nursing.
Sauna Bathing in Northern Sweden, reported by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © Ritual Nordic Spa