Sauna and Mental Health: Effects on Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement
If you have ever encountered me, you know that the subject of sauna never fails to make me light up. Some people may think of a sauna as a steamy, hot room, but its benefits extend far beyond that. Not only does it have physical health benefits such as improved circulation and detoxification, but it also has numerous positive effects on our mental well-being.
Today, I will unveil the intriguing scientific evidence supporting the connection between saunas and mental health. Whether you frequent saunas or have never visited one, this information may surprise you and make you want to schedule your next visit immediately.
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The Connection Between Sauna and Mental Health
As we all know, stress has become an inevitable part of our modern lives. We constantly face various stressors - from work, relationships, or daily responsibilities. This chronic stress can take a toll on our mental health and lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
It is no surprise that saunas have been linked to improved mental health outcomes. This section will explore the specific mental health benefits of regular sauna use.
Reduction in Psychotic Disorders
Distorted thinking, emotions, and perceptions characterize psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. That's why managing stress and maintaining good mental health is crucial for individuals with these conditions. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms and improve overall functioning.
One study by S. Kunutsor and colleagues investigated the link between sauna use, cardiorespiratory fitness, and the risk of psychosis. This population-based prospective study included 2221 men aged 42-61 years with no history of psychosis. The participants' frequency of sauna bathing and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were measured at the beginning of the study, and they were followed up for an average of 25.2 years.
The baseline assessment involved self-reported frequency of sauna bathing and respiratory gas analysis to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. Sauna use was categorized as low (≤2 sessions/week) and high (3-7 sessions/week), while cardiorespiratory fitness levels were divided into tertiles: low, medium, and high.
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