When you think of saunas, the image that probably comes to mind is stepping into a warm, wood-panelled room in the dead of winter, escaping the chill for a moment of comforting heat. But here’s the thing — regular sauna use isn't just a winter wellness ritual. In fact, some of the most compelling benefits of infrared and traditional sauna therapy are amplified by consistent use, no matter the season.
If you’ve ever paused your sauna routine during warmer months, you might want to reconsider. Leading health experts and scientific studies alike are now championing the idea of year-round sauna use, even when the temperatures rise outside.
1. Heat Conditioning Improves Your Body’s Resilience
One of the key reasons to sauna year-round is a concept known as heat adaptation or heat conditioning. Regular exposure to high temperatures helps your body become more efficient at regulating internal temperature. This has real-world benefits, especially during the summer.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical science PhD and founder of FoundMyFitness, notes that heat conditioning can increase plasma volume, improve cardiovascular efficiency, and help your body tolerate heat better overall. This makes activities like outdoor exercise or travel in hot climates far more manageable(1).
“Heat stress from saunas increases heat shock proteins, which help prevent protein degradation and repair damaged proteins, contributing to longevity and better stress resilience.”
— Dr. Rhonda Patrick
2. Year-Round Sauna Use Enhances Cardiovascular Health
Consistent sauna use — not just in winter — has been linked to better heart health. A landmark study from the University of Eastern Finland followed over 2,300 men for more than 20 years and found that those who used a sauna 4-7 times per week had a 50% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease compared to those who used it only once per week(2).
According to the study, the benefits are cumulative, meaning the more consistently you use your sauna, the greater the impact. By skipping summer sessions, you're effectively interrupting your body's ability to maintain these health improvements.
3. Detoxification and Skin Health Thrive in Summer
Sweating is one of your body’s natural detox mechanisms, and the intense, deep sweat you experience during an infrared sauna session is one of the most effective ways to flush out toxins like heavy metals, BPA, and environmental pollutants.
Summer months often come with more exposure to sunscreen, pollution, and skin congestion from humidity. A summer sauna session can help clear pores, support lymphatic drainage, and promote glowing, healthy skin - a natural, inside-out summer detox.
4. Supports Mental Health and Stress Reduction Year-Round
Whether it’s the winter blues or summer overwhelm, saunas support mental wellbeing. The calming effect of infrared heat promotes the release of endorphins and can help lower cortisol levels - your body’s primary stress hormone.
A 2018 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that regular sauna use was associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. And because stress doesn’t take a holiday in the summer, your sauna routine shouldn’t either(4).
5. Sleep Better — Even on Hot Nights
One lesser-known benefit of sauna use is its ability to improve sleep, something many people struggle with in the warmer months.
According to Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist known as “The Sleep Doctor,” body temperature plays a key role in helping you fall asleep. A sauna session in the evening causes your core temperature to rise, followed by a natural cooling effect that mimics your body’s sleep-wake cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer(5).
“The temperature drop after using a sauna helps signal to your brain that it’s time for sleep, even if it’s hot outside.”
— Dr. Michael Breus
Final Thoughts: Make Sauna a Year-Round Ritual
Wellness doesn’t stop in the summer - and neither should your sauna sessions. Whether you’re chasing better sleep, detoxing, boosting heart health, or just managing the stress of everyday life, sauna use is a powerful tool best used consistently throughout the year.
Instead of thinking of your sauna as seasonal, think of it as foundational. A practice that supports your health through all seasons, just like nutrition, movement, and sleep.
So go ahead, fire up the sauna - even if the sun’s shining.
References:
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Patrick, R. P. (2019). The ULTIMATE Guide to Saunas & Heat Exposure. FoundMyFitness. Link
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Laukkanen, T., et al. (2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 542–548. Link
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Masuda, A., et al. (2005). The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 58(1), 83–87. Link
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Masuda, A., et al. (2005). Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(4), 643–647. Link
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Breus, M. J., et al. (1998). Exercise-induced increase in core temperature does not disrupt a behavioral measure of sleep. Physiology & Behavior, 64(3), 213–217. Link