The Finnish study: 2,315 men, about 20 years
Researchers in eastern Finland followed 2,315 men aged 42 to 60 for a median of nearly 21 years and compared how often they used a sauna with what happened to their health. It was published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2015.
Men who used a sauna 4 to 7 times a week, compared with once a week, had:
- 63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death
- 48% lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease
- 50% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease
- 40% lower risk of death from any cause
Session length mattered too. Compared with sessions under 11 minutes, sessions over 19 minutes were linked with 52% lower risk of sudden cardiac death.
The 2018 review in Mayo Clinic Proceedings
A review of the published evidence, led by the same Finnish researcher, linked regular sauna bathing with lower risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and with lower risk of neurocognitive, lung and mental health conditions and of death. It reported that the body’s responses to a sauna session resemble those of moderate- to high-intensity activity such as walking, and that regular bathing was associated with lower blood pressure, inflammation, arterial stiffness and oxidative stress.
The review also described sauna bathing as having a good safety profile, including in people with stable heart disease.
How far the findings go
- Association, not proof. These studies show that people who used saunas more often had better outcomes. They do not prove the sauna caused it; the authors call for more research on why.
- Who was studied. The 20-year study covered middle-aged men in one region of Finland, so results may differ for women and other groups.
- Traditional sauna. The research is on hot, traditional Finnish sauna, around 80 to 100 °C (176 to 212 °F).
Before you start
If you have a heart condition or another health condition, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using a sauna. Start with shorter sessions and drink water.
Building your own?
Regular use is the pattern in the research, and a sauna at home is the easiest way to keep it up. How to choose a sauna heater walks through sizing, power and fuel.
Sources: Laukkanen T. et al., “Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events,” JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015 (JAMA Network release); Laukkanen J.A. et al., “Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence,” Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2018;93(8):1111 (summary, PubMed). This page summarizes published research for general education. It is not medical advice.