When to Skip the Sauna: Health Precautions

The sauna strains your circulation in a similar way to moderate physical exertion. For a healthy body that is a good stimulus; for one with existing problems it is an added risk. This is a guide only. In a specific case your doctor decides, not the sauna seller and not an article online.

Definitely skip it

With a fever or an active infection. The body is already fighting and deliberately raising its temperature; extra overheating from outside does not help, it adds strain.

After alcohol. This combination lies behind most serious incidents in saunas, and there is no exception, not even for “one beer”. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and disturbs your sense of temperature, two mechanisms that work against you in the sauna at the same time.

With a fresh injury involving inflammation. Heat increases the swelling instead of easing it.

Straight after heavy exertion, without a rest and without drinking. Wait 15–20 minutes until your pulse is back in its resting range.

Talk to your doctor

Heart disease, a previous heart attack, heart rhythm disorders. The sauna speeds up the pulse and changes blood pressure; for healthy people a stimulus, for those with existing problems sometimes a risk.

High blood pressure and low blood pressure. Both need an individual assessment, because the sauna affects blood pressure differently in several phases.

Pregnancy. Common in the Nordic countries, but it needs the agreement of your doctor or midwife, milder conditions and shorter rounds.

Diabetes, especially with neuropathy. A changed sense of temperature means you may not feel overheating in time.

Epilepsy and thyroid conditions.

Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Medication

Some medicines affect blood pressure, sweating and the response to heat: blood pressure tablets, diuretics, sedatives, some antidepressants and antihistamines.

If you take something regularly, ask this one question at your next appointment. Thirty seconds of conversation, and the answer can matter.

Children and older people

Children: lower bench, a few minutes, always with an adult in the sauna, without pushing them to stay in. Never alone.

Older people: shorter rounds, gentle cooling without ice-cold water and never alone in the sauna.

Rules for everyone

Never alone if you have health problems or are using a sauna for the first time.

Water before the session and in every rest.

At the first sign of weakness, get out: dizziness, spots before your eyes, a racing heart, nausea, sweating that suddenly stops. No discussion and nothing to prove.

A door with no lock on the inside, opening outwards. That is a safety rule, not a matter of taste.

The first visit after a long break

If you have not been in a sauna for years, treat it like returning to training: a shorter round, lower bench, two rounds instead of three.

Heat tolerance drops if you do not keep it up. That is normal and returns after a few weeks of regular use.

If something happens: what to do

Get out at once, sit down somewhere cool and put your legs up.

Drink water in small sips, not in a hurry.

Not under an ice-cold shower: that is an extra shock for the circulation. Cool down gradually, starting from the feet and hands.

If the symptoms do not pass within a few minutes, call 999 or 112. Do not tell yourself “it will pass”.