Do you know the the health advantages of using a sauna or steam room? Many individuals appreciate these treatments at their local health spa or gym because they make them feel fantastic after a hard workout or a long day at work. However, it has been discovered that using these heated rooms can bring extra health benefits. But, in the sauna vs. steam room argument, which treatment comes out on top?
The Steam Room
A steam room produces moist heat. These rooms are often tiled (or, in some cases, another non-porous material such as glass or plastic is used) and airtight in order to catch all of the moisture produced by a steam generator. When you enter a steam room, you will immeditately detect the damp thick steam on your face. Steam rooms are meant to have humidity levels ranging from 95% to 100%. Therefore, the temperature in a steam room may range from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may feel warmer due to the high humidity. To improve your steam experience, some steam rooms provide a spray bottle of eucalyptus oil or another smell. Also, because steam rises, sitting higher in a steam room will deliver more intense steam and heat, while sitting lower in a steam room will supply less steam and heat.
Health Advantages
If you have spent time in a steam room you will see rapid skin improvements. In the short term, moisture helps the skin look refreshed and dewy. However, the advantages do not stop there. Moist heat can help ease cold and congestion symptoms, and staying in a steam room for a few minutes can assist soothe tight muscles. Studies have demonstrated that moist heat is more helpful than dry heat for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness. The muscle discomfort that typically lingers in the days after a vigorous workout. Finally, many steam room users will tell you that the experience aids in stress reduction. Some people even call it a “high.” It’s difficult to say whether the steam genuinely relieves stress or whether the sheer act of sitting quietly for 10 minutes does—it might be a combination of the two.
Health Dangers
It is possible to overheat in a steam room, which is why it is critical not to overstay. For example, when you sweat in a steam room, the sweat that is supposed to cool you does not evaporate as quickly as it should due to the moisture in the air. As a result, the skin and core temperatures rise. While using a steam room, some persons (especially those who are not adapted to steam heat) may experience dizziness, nausea, or, in severe situations, fainting. According to experts, stay hydrated, restrict your time in the room to a few minutes (particularly if you’re new to the experience), and avoid utilizing these heated rooms if you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or specific prescriptions. You may also notice that using a steam room after eating produces dizziness.
Exercising in a steam room is a BIG NO because it raises your core temperature. In addition, pregnant women and people with specific heart diseases should avoid utilizing a steam room at all costs. See your physician if you’re not sure if a steam room is safe for you. Finally, if you use a steam room to lose weight, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. While sweating in a steam room may result in temporary weight reduction due to lost water weight, the weight will return after your body has been rehydrated.
Sauna Area
Dry heat is provided by a standard sauna. Depending on the sauna, you may experience moisture levels as low as 10% or as high as 60%. The wetness you encounter is frequently determined by the sauna style you select. Some saunas allow you to enhance the humidity by pouring heated pebbles with water to create steam.
Various Types
A sauna is a room that is typically heated to 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity ranging from roughly 10% to 60%. Saunas are classified into several types; the most prevalent are listed here:
- Smoke saunas use a wood-burning stove to heat rocks in a room with no chimney. The room is aired before entering it once the heating procedure is finished.
- Wood-burning saunas use pebbles or wood to generate heat and are the most similar to the traditional Finnish sauna. However, by modifying the burning pace, you may change the quantity of heat in the room.
- Wooden prefabricated sauna rooms are freestanding or modular units built of various wood species such as Nordic white spruce, aspen, western red cedar,alder,pine or hemlock.
- Electric saunas generate heat by using a wall or floor-mounted electric heater. To set the heat to your preferred temperature, look for remote control with a temperature display.
- Infrared saunas are sometimes referred to as infrared heat therapy chambers. Heating devices in these rooms reflect heat in light directly onto your body. Infrared saunas (also known as far-infrared) are popular among athletes and anyone seeking exercise-like advantages. Far-infrared saunas are also commonly utilized in studies investigating cardiovascular sauna benefits.
- Himalayan salt sauna is layered with thick pink Himalayan salt in order to absorb toxins from the body, detoxification, and stimulate cellular repair.
Health Advantages
Sauna use has been studied by researchers in terms of its effect on cardiovascular health and other outcomes. Some studies have found that it has a minor impact on chronic illnesses such as headache,congestive heart failure,high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, sauna use regularly may also help you live longer. While frequent sauna use was independently associated with a lower chance of death, regular sauna use paired with enhanced cardiovascular fitness conferred significant survivor advantages. Three to seven sauna visits per week were considered frequent use.
Sauna use may enhance the advantages of regular exercise. Also, sauna therapy is beneficial after a workout to calm and relax the muscles. Exercise is a form of internally-induced sweating, and a sauna is a form of peaceful externally-induced sweating. Therefore, the sauna should be used with exercise rather than replacing it.
Health Dangers
Because extreme heat can produce faintness or dizziness, utilizing a sauna requires the same caution as using a steam room. Pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy, are generally recommended to avoid high heat and consult with their doctor before embarking on this adventure. Also, those with a high-risk medical history, such as kidney illness, liver failure, or cardiac disorders, may be unable to use sauna therapy but should consult with their doctor before utilizing a sauna.
Sweating and Weight Loss
If you try a sauna, it’s crucial to keep the experience’s benefits in mind. Many consumers come to these venues to reduce weight. You will most certainly lose weight due to water loss, although this is only temporary. You’re also likely to benefit from many of the other advantages that users of steam and sauna rooms enjoy, such as reduced stress, increased sleep, and fresh, bright skin. However, there is no scientific evidence to support some of the other promises claimed by these locations, such as detoxification and spiritual awakening. For example, while you may be able to rid your body of some harmful toxins by sweating, the amount of toxins you sweat out is relatively minimal. And your body is designed to eliminate toxins without sweating them out. As a result, while relaxing in a sauna or steam room, you may not burn as many calories as you hoped.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Both the sauna and the steam room have overall health; let your personal preference guide your decision. To decide which one is preferable for you, explore the steam rooms and saunas closest to you and consider whether you favor dry or moist heat. Both experiences are likely to alleviate tension and enhance your gym or spa visit enjoyment. Regular use may yield even higher benefits. If you’re new to the sauna or steam room, start with a short session and gradually increase the amount of time you spend inside. Remember to consult your doctor if you have any health concerns or feel dizziness or other symptoms.
