Olivia Arezzolo
Resident Women’s Fitness Sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo, shares her experience with infrared saunas and the benefits to sleep and general wellbeing.
Can an infrared sauna really help you sleep better?
Infrared saunas are popping up all over the place – and as a leading sleep expert, I couldn’t be happier. Renowned for their benefits upon relaxation, detoxification and skin; another huge benefit is sleep – think falling asleep faster, sleeping deeper, feeling more refreshed upon waking. While this is supported by science, personal experience is equally – if not more – valuable. Needless to say, when premium, boutique Melbourne based brand Solace Sauna approached me to trial their range – I was stoked. Because I have been curious too: can an infrared sauna really help you sleep better? Let’s find out.
What the science says:
First, with your body working harder than normal to maintain a stable temperature, you naturally feel tired. Second, as your body instantly cools down when you emerge from the warm sauna to a cooler bathroom, this catalyses sleepiness hormone melatonin – again, increasing fatigue.
Next, clinically demonstrated to reduce stress hormone cortisol, infrared saunas can help you sleep better from this aspect too – this can otherwise contribute to 3am wakings and light, unrefreshing sleep.
Similarly, as noted in a 2015 Japanese study, infrared saunas can reduce anxiety and fatigue – two factors which can lead to sleeplessness. Important to note here though that these benefits were only found when used consistently – the sessions were 15 minutes, 5 days a week, over 4 weeks.
Lastly, as infrared sauna’s increase blood flow and circulation, sleep promoting nutrients like magnesium, and oxygen, are distributed with greater ease – increasing overnight recovery and following day energy.
My personal experience:
First thing is that Solace Sauna is no normal infrared sauna – designed with exclusive crystal carbon heating panels, the heat feels… different. Lighter. Breathable. Even… enjoyable! Compared to previous sauna experiences, where I’ve felt like I am about to combust at any given moment, this is a welcome change. And while I have been eager to try infrareds, I have been wary due to their typical high EMF emission – which I do not recommend, by any means. Fortunately though, Solace Sauna’s are again, different here – with their bespoke design, they have a near zero EMF rating (the best possible) – so they can be part of your regular nighttime routine. And lastly, the results – as indicated by science, I too found that: yes, I was able to fall asleep faster; yes, I was able to sleep deeper; and yes, I was waking up more refreshed. Couldn’t recommend more.
Solace Sauna is kindly offering our Women’s Fitness community 10% off their infrared with the code WF10 – head to www.solacesauna.com.au now.
By Olivia Arezzolo
Images: Supplied
For the full article grab the February/March 2024 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
