How long is best to sit in sauna?

Author: Chanel Fay  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

Start with 5 to 10 minute sessions and gradually increase your sitting time until you can stay for about 15-20 minutes. Drink a glass or two of water and take a rinse-off shower before and after using the sauna. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing or a towel.

How long is it healthy to sit in a sauna?

Among other benefits, regular sauna use can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and bolster skin health. The recommended length of time to spend in a sauna is 15-20 minutes. First-timers should start with five to 10 minutes. People with certain health conditions should not use a sauna.

How long do you have to stay in the sauna to detox?

How long does it take to sweat out toxins in a sauna? The process of detoxification begins immediately, as soon as you heat up and start sweating. You should not spend a lot of time inside a sauna, with a general rule being 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how you feel.

How long should I do in a sauna?

The sauna/steam room should be used “2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes at a time,” Jay says. Some individuals like to opt for intervals. “You can do 15 to 20 minutes inside the room, take a 5 minute break outside the room, and then go back inside, repeating this for 3-4 cycles.”

Does sauna burn fat?

Saunas themselves do not directly burn fat. The weight loss observed after a sauna session is primarily due to water loss through sweating, which is temporary and regained upon rehydration. With that being said, there are a few ways that saunas can have indirect benefits that may support weight loss or body mass loss.

You May Never Use an INFRARED SAUNA Again After Watching This! | Dr. Sean O’Mara

Does sauna help detox the liver?

But, if you're reading online about using an infrared sauna for liver detox, you're probably reading a quite misleading explanation of what is truly happening. A sauna doesn't detox the liver directly - instead, it helps detoxification processes become more optimal by removing toxins from the equation!

Is it okay to sauna everyday?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Can I sauna every day?" The short answer is yes, it can be safe for most people to sauna daily. However, it's important to keep a few things in mind, like how long you stay in and any health conditions you might have.

Can you bring a phone in a sauna?

Heat Damage: Smartphones are sensitive to extreme temperatures. The intense heat of a sauna can damage your phone's battery and internal components, potentially leading to reduced battery life or total malfunction.

Should you shower after a sauna?

Relax, recover, refresh

Cooling off after the sauna is important because you can catch a cold if you sweat too much. Sauna-goers should leave enough time to cool down before warming up again. If you can, don't have a shower straight after the sauna. It's better for the body if you cool off in the fresh air first.

How many calories do you burn in a 30 minute sauna?

As the sauna calculator mentioned above shows, sitting in a sauna 30 minutes a day can burn anywhere from 46 calories on the low end to 600 calories on the high end. This isn't enough to lose multiple pounds (or even 1 pound) in a single sitting.

What is the best protocol for sauna?

Try to stay in the sauna anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes per session and repeat the use of the sauna from 2 to 3x per week, or as often as 7x per week. More often does appear to be better with respect to cardiovascular health.

Is the sauna good for your skin?

The heat in saunas enhances blood circulation. This increased blood flow carries essential nutrients to the skin, promoting cell turnover and rejuvenation. As a result, one can experience a healthier and more vibrant skin appearance. Thanks to the increased circulation, more nutrients can penetrate your skin.

Is a cold plunge better than a sauna?

Saunas may be safer for those with joint pain or chronic muscle pain, but cold plunges might be better for those looking to reduce acute inflammation or temporarily increase mental alertness,” Norman said.

How long is healthy to sit in a sauna?

Limiting sauna sessions to 15 to 20 minutes at a time is safe and effective, so keep those sessions short and sweet and you'll still enjoy many health benefits all the same!

What are the negatives of a sauna?

3 Drawbacks of Using a Sauna After Exercise

You could get dizzy, pass out or get severe muscle cramps. Worst case scenario, you could develop heatstroke, a life-threatening condition caused by your body overheating.

How long should you sit in a sauna to detox?

The right sauna session duration for detoxification is anywhere under 30 minutes till the time you feel comfortable. So, you should know how long it's safe for you to stay in a steam sauna. As a matter of fact, everyone has different heat endurance levels. And it's essential to know how much heat is too much for you.

Does sweating detox your liver?

Therefore, sweat is not made up of toxins from your body, and the belief that sweat can cleanse the body is a myth. “You cannot sweat toxins out of the body,” Dr. Smith says. “Toxins such as mercury, alcohol and most drugs are eliminated by your liver, intestines or kidneys.”

What is the best time to sauna?

A post-exercise sauna session may be beneficial if you aim to enhance athletic performance or recover from intense workouts. On the other hand, scheduling a sauna session in the evening might be more suitable if you seek relaxation, stress reduction, or improved sleep.

Are saunas actually beneficial?

Accumulating evidence suggests that regular sauna bathing may alleviate and prevent the risk of both acute and chronic disease conditions.

Should I sauna before or after a workout?

It might make sense to hit your gym's sauna before you get hot and sweaty from your workout. But, timing is everything. The best time to hit the sauna is post-workout. After a grueling session at the gym, the muscles are yearning for some TLC.

Why do I pee so much after the sauna?

Frequent urination after a sauna is a normal physiological response to the heat and fluid shifts your body experiences. While it may be inconvenient, it's a sign that your kidneys are working effectively to maintain balance.

How do I know if my liver is detoxing?

Liver detox includes signs such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, tremors, increased heart rate, and more.

Is sauna good for kidneys?

It is well known that sauna users keep themselves hydrated the whole time when undergoing sauna bathing sessions. Overall, these new results are encouraging and provide an important public health message that regular sauna baths do not have adverse effects on renal function.

Previous article
Can you use essential oils as fabric freshener?
Next article
What is the difference between infrared heaters and regular heaters?