Top 6 Infrared Sauna Benefits

Infrared saunas are growing increasingly popular in the wellness world—and for a good reason. With regular use, they have the potential to deliver incredible benefits for your well-being, improving energy levels, mood, sleep, and so much more. 

In this blog, we list the top infrared sauna benefits and explain the science behind them. Whether you’re an athlete looking to boost workout recovery or simply need a way to relax after a long day at work, read on to learn how infrared saunas can bring your wellness routine to the next level. 

Infrared Sauna Health Benefits

For centuries, traditional steam saunas have been celebrated for their many health and relaxation benefits. Today, infrared saunas combine time-honored principles with innovative technology to completely reimagine the way we enjoy thermotherapy (heat therapy). 

Unlike steam saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas harness the power of light wavelengths to heat the body from within. Special built-in panels inside the sauna emit harmless but powerful infrared light, stimulating a deep, clarifying sweat response. This helps flush out toxins, relax muscles, and improve circulation. 

But that’s not all an infrared sauna brings to the table. Below, we break down the best infrared sauna benefits, backed by science.

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Did you know an infrared sauna session has the same effect on your body as walking at a moderate pace¹? Infrared saunas mimic the effects of moderate exercise, which means they’re great for enhancing cardiovascular (heart) health. 

When you sit in an infrared sauna, the light raises your body temperature, causing your heart rate to increase and your blood vessels to dilate—an effect known as vasodilation. In other words, it widens your blood vessels to make room for better blood flow throughout the body. 

According to studies, with regular use, infrared saunas can reduce blood pressure over time and promote a stronger, healthier heart¹. 

2. Soothes Chronic Pain 

For many of us, chronic pain is a constant struggle that can interfere with work, social life, and relaxation. The good news? Research shows that infrared saunas can be a promising tool for managing chronic pain². 

During an infrared sauna session, the light delivers a powerful heat that reaches beyond the skin and deep into muscle tissue. This relaxes tight muscles, alleviates joint stiffness, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to affected areas. Together, these combined benefits can offer substantial pain relief. 

In a study, patients with chronic pain were treated with heat therapy powered by infrared saunas. Remarkably, after just 4 weeks of daily infrared sauna sessions, 77% of participants noticed improvements and were able to return to work two years post-treatment. These results suggest that infrared saunas may provide significant relief for those experiencing chronic pain. 

3. Enhances Sleep Quality and Energy Levels

In today’s high-stress world, many of us constantly have our “fight or flight” mode turned on. This means our sympathetic nervous system is activated. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to get enough quality sleep—which can lead to many serious health issues. 

So, it’s important to find ways to activate your parasympathetic nervous system—which regulates the body’s ability to relax. Studies show that infrared saunas activate the parasympathetic nervous system, sending both the mind and body into a deep state of relaxation³. This can significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and in turn, raise your energy levels⁴. 

In fact, in a global sauna survey, 83.5% of participants reported getting better sleep after regular sauna use⁵. So, if you need a relaxing way to wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, an infrared sauna could be the solution you’re looking for. 

4. Improves Mood and Happiness 

Research shows that regular sauna bathers report higher levels of self-reported happiness, less anxiety, and an improved sense of mental well-being⁴.  

Dedicating time to relax in an infrared sauna is a great way to unwind and destress after a long day. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel good” hormones⁶. Endorphins reduce stress, soothe pain, and boost your mood—which all contribute to an enhanced sense of well-being. 

5. Supports Muscle Performance and Recovery

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, infrared saunas can be a game changer for workout recovery and muscle performance. 

Research shows that just 20 minutes in an infrared sauna post-resistance training can significantly reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery⁷. How? Infrared heat improves blood flow, which optimizes the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, while also flushing out waste products like lactic acid. So, it helps you recover quicker, and with less pain. 

This accelerated recovery means you can bounce back faster, experience less downtime, and train more effectively to achieve better athletic performance over time⁸. 

6. Boosts Collagen Production for Healthier Skin 

Infrared saunas can also have amazing effects on your skin! Infrared light helps stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin⁹, which keep your skin smooth, firm, and hydrated. It also tightens pores by flushing out toxins and removing dead skin cells. The result? Soft, glowing, and rejuvenated skin with a more youthful appearance. 

Shop Tylö Infrared Saunas at Creative Energy

Infrared saunas are changing the wellness world for the better. From improved heart health and less pain to reduced stress and more, these science-backed benefits have the potential to significantly enhance your quality of life and overall well-being. 

For decades, Creative Energy has been the Bay Area’s one-stop shop for wellness products like hot tubs, swim spas, and now—infrared saunas! We carry an extensive range of Tylö saunas to help you take your wellness journey to the next level. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect infrared sauna for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

Ready to experience the benefits of infrared saunas for yourself?  Contact us online today, or visit any of our award-winning showrooms in San Rafael, San Mateo, or Concord. 

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health or wellness regimen, including the use of infrared saunas, to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.