As the world is progressing, mental health has become more of a priority and concern. This is time to prioritise your self-care and mental health. At Sun Stream we are passionate about improving your quality of life, health and wellness. We believe our Sun Stream Infrared Saunas offer many benefits to your overall health. However, in this blog, we highlight the advantages of an infrared sauna on mental health.
What is an Infrared Sauna
The modern infrared sauna uses infrared emitters (far-infrared rays) to heat your body. The infrared sauna is a lower-temperature alternative compared to traditional saunas – only needing a temperature of up to 48 – 55 degrees. It focuses on the penetration of warmth into your skin for heat-therapy benefits. Infrared heat lamps have assisted in the treatment of muscle and joint problems for the past decades.
Infrared Saunas and Mindfulness
An infrared sauna is a sanctuary for meditation. The infrared heat lamps provide a way for the whole body to immerse into meditation. This helps contribute to mindfulness – individuals can become more present in their state of mind. The combination of meditation and infrared saunas is a powerful force that benefits mental and physical health.
Anxiety Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Stress is a feeling and bodily reaction to pressure – the flight or fight response. Generally, too much stress is detrimental to mental health as it can manifest into mental health disorders. The infrared sauna sessions provide a peaceful and soothing environment, which enables individuals to alleviate stress and anxiety. Stress reduction plays an integral role in one’s mental health and well-being. Investigations demonstrate how saunas reduce the stress hormone cortisol in your body. By facilitating relaxation, infrared saunas create a mind-body connection. The oxygen-rich blood is increased and delivers a better stable state of homeostasis – reducing cortisol levels. Furthermore, the infrared sauna combats anxiety. Anxiety is a mental state and disorder that involves great arousal and distress due to worry. A study shows seven out of ten patients reducing anxiety levels after infrared saunas. These studies can conclude that the experience allows users to relax in a meditative environment that is beneficial to mental health.
Depression Reduction
Depression is a mental health disorder that entails a persistent emotion of pessimism, sadness and worthlessness. The World Health Organisation states depression is the leading cause of disability globally. Fortunately, saunas can help people with depression by improving their mood. When someone experiences an infrared sauna treatment, their brain and body release more euphoric hormones – dopamine and serotonin. Insomniacs and depressed individuals with sleeping issues can better their sleep schedule and recover psychologically. Furthermore, studies show that patients with mild depression have recovered from their loss of appetite. Overall, symptoms of depression are positively impacted.
Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder that makes concentration difficult- involves inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity and distractibility. Moreover, many people attempt to find treatments for this disorder. Studies suggest that the infrared sauna can battle ADHD. The advantages of an infrared sauna include increasing noradrenaline (norepinephrine) – a chemical hormone and neurotransmitter that assists in boosting alertness, concentration, memory and mood. Hence, this shows how an infrared sauna can help people diagnosed with ADHD.
Increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a biologically occurring protein in your brain. This protein plays a critical role in fighting off mental diseases as well as mood regulation. It does this by protecting and restoring the damaged brain cells and aiding the development of new brain cells. The infrared sauna is advantageous as it expands the expression of BDNF. Therefore, this production of BDNF will reduce the likelihood of mental illness.
Better Your Wellbeing With Infrared Saunas
Spending time with as little as fifteen-minute sauna sessions- four times a week- can contribute to bettering mental health. Allow Sun Stream to facilitate your well-being journey with infrared saunas. For further queries about the advantages of infrared sauna sessions, don’t hesitate to contact Sun Stream today! Happy sweating!