When is the best time to use a sauna? [2 options]

When is the best time to use a sauna? In the fast-paced and stressful world, finding a peaceful and relaxing haven in a sauna is a blessing. Once we discover the sense of calmness and well-being that a sauna brings, we become passionate enthusiasts of this century-long activity.

But as the creations of modern society, we can’t just enjoy it, we need to find the most effective way. Hence, the question: which time of day makes a sauna the most efficient?

So today we are exploring if the time of day that we choose to use the sauna has any influence on the effect that it has on our health and well-being.

First of all, let me tell you that a sauna is good for you any time of day, whether it’s early morning or late evening. However, the effects will be a little different. Curious? Good, let’s dive in.

Morning sauna: strengths and weaknesses

I am a morning person, and when I go for an early sauna session, the heat has an energizing effect on me and wakes me up – both body and mind.

After a morning sauna, I am ready to start my day and make the best of it.

Let’s see what the experts say about the advantages and potential drawbacks of morning sauna sessions.

Strengths

1. Kickstart of the day

Morning sauna sessions can jumpstart your morning; morning sessions help you shake off the grogginess that we often wake up with. The heat raises your core body temperature, which makes you alert and focused. That’s how a sauna in the morning sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

2. Muscle recovery

If you had an intense workout the previous evening, a morning sauna use can help recover the muscles and ease the soreness. The blood flow to your muscles increases, and the repair process kicks in.

3. Mental clarity

Instead of getting into a vegetable state of relaxation, your thoughts become clearer when you use a sauna in the morning, and you are ready for the challenges the day will bring. Take a cool shower after a morning sauna use, and clarity and focus will sharpen even more.

Weaknesses

1. Time constraints

I sometimes find it hard to fit morning sauna sessions into my schedule. I already wake up pretty early, but if I am going to have a morning sauna session before work, I should get up at the crack of dawn. So, a sauna in the morning may require some willpower.

2. Potential for overheating

Balance is very important. I am always careful not to expose myself to excessive heat when I use a sauna in the morning because it can lead to overheating and fatigue.

3. Interference with sleep

I have heard that some folks who are sensitive to changes in their core temperature may find that a morning sauna session disrupts their natural circadian rhythm and makes it difficult to fall asleep later in the evening.

Evening sauna: strengths and weaknesses

Evening sauna sessions for me are a luxurious spa experience. Evening sessions help me unwind and relax completely. Let’s explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of indulging in an evening sauna session.

Strengths

1. Stress relief

After a long day of stress and deadlines, I find evening relaxation in the sauna a blissful escape. The heat and soothing atmosphere of the sauna bathing leaves me calm and brings a serene feeling of well-being.

2. Better sleep

For many folks, me included, an evening sauna session guarantees a restful night’s sleep.

The gradual increase in core temperature and a cooldown period afterward regulate your body’s internal clock.

Not only do I fall asleep easier after evening sessions, but I also sleep through the night.

3. Muscle relaxation

Evening sauna use does wonders for your muscles. Evening sessions give you much-needed relief for tired and achy muscles. The heat helps promote relaxation of tense muscles and makes them less stiff.

Weaknesses

1. Increased body temperature

Elevated core temperature late in the evening may interfere with your body’s natural cooling process. Some folks may find it harder to fall or stay asleep after sauna use.

2. Evening commitments

Sometimes, it’s just hard to squeeze an evening sauna session in because of other commitments. It can be problematic to find the time to unwind in the sauna.

3. Potential for dehydration

I recommend paying close attention to your hydration levels. Sauna use means exposure to heat, and you are usually less hydrated in the evening. That’s why evening sauna sessions can make you dehydrated. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

Types of saunas to choose from

I think it makes sense to provide you with some info here about the options you have in terms of sauna bathing. Explore the possibilities and opt for the one that will work for you.

Traditional steam saunas

That’s good old classics. These saunas use heated rocks or a stove to generate steam.

It’s very humid in there, but the detox effect is remarkable.

The saunas typically work at higher temperatures, from 150 °F to 195 °F. They provide a deeply relaxing and invigorating sauna experience.

Infrared saunas

Their operation is based on the infrared light. Its heat gets into the body’s tissues directly. An infrared sauna session is much more comfortable than a traditional steam sauna because its heat is mild.

The temperatures are lower than in a regular sauna (from 120 °F to 150 °F) which means that folks who can’t stand the intense heat of traditional saunas can use infrared ones.

One more win of infrared sauna use is that the penetration into the skin there is deeper. That means that the detox effect and muscle relaxation are better as well.

Far infrared saunas

It’s a specific type of sauna. It’s based on the effect of far infrared radiation. I’ve read the studies researching the therapeutic effects of far infrared sauna use.

If you compare it with a regular sauna, the heat is lower. That makes these saunas suitable for folks who look for gentle heat therapy.

Steam rooms

They are very similar to traditional steam saunas. They create a high-humidity environment by producing steam through heated water.

The temperatures there are from 110 °F to 120 °F, so the heat is milder than in traditional saunas. I think it’s a good alternative if you enjoy the steam but can’t stand excessive heat.

What I like about them is the social sauna experience. They are very popular in gyms and spas. A good and healthy way to hang out and meet people.

How to choose a sauna

When you choose a sauna, think about the following things:

• How tolerant are you to heat?
• Do you want a high- or low-humidity environment?
• What are your health goals?

Answer these questions and it will be easy to find the type of sauna with the most health benefits.

Unfortunately, although extremely beneficial for our health, a sauna in the morning or evening is not for everyone. Some medical conditions make sauna use risky. For example, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, or respiratory conditions.

There will be no health benefits in such sauna bathing.

I highly recommend consulting a healthcare professional before engaging in sauna bathing. You may require specific conditions for sauna sessions, and with certain diseases, you’ll have to avoid the sauna altogether.

Conclusion

As you have seen, both the energizing heat of a morning sauna session and the soothing relaxation of an evening sauna offer us an abundance of health benefits. A sauna is a great contributor to our well-being and health, from stress relief and muscle relaxation to a good night’s sleep and detox.

Use the sauna at different times, check out various sauna routines, and you’ll see how your life gets healthier and happier day by day.

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