Our Top 10 Sauna Safety Tips
There are a variety of sauna safety tips you need to know so that you can prepare for your sauna experience. Saunas offer a variety of benefits that can be enhanced through proper safety guidelines.
At Boutique Lux, guests have exclusive access to their own private sauna at our gorgeous rustic property, The Retreat, allowing you to make the most out of the benefits of a sauna every day you stay with us!
But what are the essential sauna safety precautions that should be taken? You might be surprised to know that in addition to not falling asleep, there is a wide range of other precautions to take to ensure the various benefits of sauna use!
1. Never Fall Asleep In The Sauna
This precaution might be common sense. But funnily enough, it is advised to NOT fall asleep in a sauna – no matter how relaxing the experience may be!
The maximum time a healthy person should spend in a sauna is up to 20 minutes at a time. Any longer and the heat could have negative adverse effects which could bring about illness, nausea or dizziness.
2. Take Precautions If Pregnant
ALWAYS consult your doctor before using a sauna if you are pregnant.
During the first trimester, an exposure to the high temperatures of a sauna has links to neural tube defects in babies. It is therefore advised that if saunas are to be used, it is best to wait until much later in the pregnancy and to limit sessions to only 10-15 minutes.
3. Do Not Wear Jewellery in a Sauna
Before using a sauna, all jewellery should be removed for safety reasons. Accessories such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even glasses and watches should be taken off before entering a sauna.
Saunas reach extremely high temperatures, causing jewellery to get hot with the potential of even causing burns to the skin.
4. No Alcohol Before, During or Immediately After Sauna Use
Ensure that before, during and after your sauna experience that the only drink you are consuming is water! Alcoholic beverages before a sauna should be avoided at all costs as they increase the risk dehydration.
Alcohol also decreases your awareness, stability, mood, judgment, etc, which is then multiplied due to the effects of the heat and the claustrophobic setting in the sauna.
5. Do Not Use a Sauna If You Are Ill
When you are ill, your body is dehydrated and needs to upkeep fluids to speed recovery. Using saunas will result in even more fluids being lost, making you even more dehydrated.
It is strongly advised to stay out of the sauna until you recover. However, if you feel that your sinuses would benefit from a light steam, there are many facial steamers available to buy to help clear congestion from colds and flu.
6. Don't Eat a Large Meal Before Sauna Use
One of the principal benefits of sauna use is the improvement in blood circulation. This can be counteracted if you consume a heavy meal beforehand, due to the blood being primarily concentrated in the digestive system. When using saunas, you would want your blood to circulate as much as possible, being able to reach all parts of your body equally.
Eating a large meal can also make you feel overly full and uncomfortable. This sensation coupled with the intense heat of the sauna could cause overwhelming sickness and nausea.
If eating a heavy meal beforehand cannot be avoided, you should wait at least one hour before sauna-use. However, if you have the choice, choose a lighter meal that can be easily digested.
7. Consult a Doctor Before Using a Sauna If Taking Medications
Be aware that many medications for various health conditions can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. These sensations are then enhanced tenfold when subjected to the environmental conditions of a steaming, hot sauna.
For your wellbeing, if you are affected day-to-day by such side effects, sauna use should be avoided as to not make these effects worse. Always consult your doctor before using a sauna and seek their recommendations for proper pre- and post-sauna aftercare.
8. Do Not Exceed 20 Minutes Per Session
The effectiveness of a sauna kicks in after about ten-fifteen minutes into a session. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to aim for fifteen minutes straight away!
Start off slowly, and gauge your body’s reactions and adjustment to the heat and steam. Begin with five minutes and then gradually increase with each session. This allows your body to slowly adjust to the sudden temperature and environment change. It is important that you are as comfortable as possible during your sauna sessions!
If the sauna has benches of varying heights and you are just starting out, opt for a lower bench. The lower benches have a cooler temperature than the rest of the sauna room. Once comfortable, then work your way up to the top for a more intense experience.
One of the main sauna safety guidelines is to ensure that you are at your most comfortable at all times – listen to your body!
9. Check With a Doctor Before Using a Sauna If You Have Any Health Conditions
Saunas are not suitable for everyone. Before using a sauna, you should seek medical advice about sauna safety if you have any health conditions.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart defects could be worsened with sauna use. Ensure to stick to 5 minutes per session and be sure to take time out afterward to cool down.
10. If You Start To Feel Ill, Leave The Sauna
Saunas can be an intense environment for many individuals – even those who are considered to be healthy. Don’t over-exert yourself. If you being to feel claustrophobic, dizzy, faint or nauseous, leave the sauna immediately and take enough time to cool down.
Be sure to keep fluid intake up post-sauna, and replace lost electrolytes with sports drinks and multi-vitamin fruit juices.
For a quicker way to lower the body temperature and to cool down after using a sauna, take a cool bath or cold shower. This will lower your body temperature and could help reduce negative effects.
We hope this list has been informative and has provided you with the knowledge you were looking for to take your sauna usage to the next level!
Remember to check out our property The Retreat to experience exclusive, private sauna use for you and your guests!
We are always on hand to offer any advice, to provide information or to answer any queries you might have. Just get in touch below, and we will respond to your request as soon as possible!
Your safety and happiness is our priority
Team Boutique Lux
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