Why am I so tired after infrared sauna?

Author: Philip Schmitt  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

As your body sweats, it begins to rid itself of toxins and impurities. At the same time, your heart rate begins to increase as your body works hard to maintain a stable internal temperature. All of these physical processes use a lot of energy, which is why you might feel tired after spending time in an infrared sauna.

What are the symptoms of infrared sauna detox?

A review of infrared sauna detox therapy found some side effects. Although mild, the most common ones include heat discomfort, dehydration, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and nausea. I suggest starting with 10-15 minute sessions at 100-130 F.

What are the negative effects of an infrared sauna?

Are There Any Dangers to Infrared Saunas? If used improperly or excessively, infrared saunas can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even burns. Certain medical conditions might make them unsafe. Consult your doctor beforehand.

Why do I feel worse after infrared sauna?

The main reasons why you may feel worse after an infrared sauna session are due to dehydration, fatigue, your body reacting to detoxification, heat discomfort or light-headedness.

Does infrared light make you tired?

The results showed PBM treatment only at 6.5 J·cm2 to have consistent positive benefits on well-being and health, specifically improving mood, reducing drowsiness, reducing IFN-γ, and resting heart rate. This was only observed in winter. No significant effects on sleep or circadian rhythms were noted.

How I Treated My Chronic Fatigue

Can infrared saunas cause fatigue?

If you feel exhausted after an infrared sauna session, don't worry – it's normal! In most cases, fatigue is simply because your body is working hard to sweat out toxins and rehydrate itself.

What does infrared do to your brain?

The red and near-infrared light photons penetrate through the skull and into brain cells and spur the mitochondria to produce more ATP. That can mean clearer, sharper thinking, says Naeser.

Do infrared saunas burn fat?

Fat Loss. Some studies suggest that infrared sauna use might help stimulate the breakdown of stored fats through a process called lipolysis. As the body works to cool itself down during a sauna session, it expends energy and taps into fat reserves for fuel.

What to do immediately after infrared sauna?

What To Do After An Infrared Sauna Session
  1. Rinse. Getting your sweat on in an infrared sauna is one of the most enjoyable parts of the session. ...
  2. Rehydrate. During an infrared sauna session, it's quite common for your body to sweat out enough water to bring down your body weight. ...
  3. Have a Nutritious Meal. ...
  4. Relax.

What are 2 disadvantages of infrared?

Following are the disadvantages of Infrared sensor: ➨Infrared frequencies are affected by hard objects (e.g. walls, doors) , smoke, dust, fog, sunlight etc. Hence it does not work through walls or doors. ➨Infrared waves at high power can damage eyes.

Why do I pee a lot after the infrared 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 long does it take to see results from infrared sauna?

Most estimates suggest that the benefits of infrared sauna use will be seen anywhere from one session to a few months of consistent practice.

What happens if you don't shower after infrared sauna?

Not showering after your sauna session can lead to the reabsorption of toxins through your skin. The residual sweat can clog pores, potentially leading to skin irritations or breakouts. By taking a quick shower, you wash away these impurities, ensuring your skin remains clean and your pores unblocked.

Does infrared sauna balance hormones?

But one of the biggest benefits of using an infrared sauna is helping your body balance your hormones. Dry heat, such as the kind used in a Sunlighten sauna can recalibrate your hormones.

What not to do in infrared sauna?

Be Aware
  1. The use of drugs, medication or alcohol prior to or during the infrared sauna session may lead to dizziness or unconsciousness. ...
  2. Please consult your physician if you are in doubt of your ability to use the infrared sauna for health reasons.
  3. No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the infrared sauna.

Should I take a cold shower after infrared sauna?

So, the next time you use a far infrared sauna, remember to take a cold shower afterwards and indulge in this therapeutic and invigorating ritual.

What is the ideal time to stay in an infrared sauna?

The optimal time to use an infrared sauna typically involves sessions between 30-60 minutes. It's recommended to use an infrared sauna 4-7 times per week to provide numerous health advantages, such as improved cardiovascular health, detoxification, pain relief, and enhanced skin health.

How many calories do 30 minutes in an infrared sauna burn?

Infrared saunas have been shown to burn 400-800 calories in a single 30-minute session — that's in the same calorie-burning range as marathon running, racquetball, and rowing!

Does infrared sauna tighten skin?

The clinical effects were, however, gradual, with a mean improvement of 25% to 50% achieved after 6 months of treatment, and roughness and tightness of the skin was improved in all of the 20 patients enrolled in the study.

Does infrared sauna damage hair?

Unfortunately, the heat occasionally depletes the hair of moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breaking. When using an infrared sauna to promote hair development, care must be taken to keep the hair wet and avoid breakage.

What is the negative effect of infrared?

IR-A radiation with its excessive heat can cause irreversible damage (such as burns) to the retina and cloud the lens, which can lead to a cataract (also known as glassblower's cataract or infrared cataract). IR-B radiation can damage the blood vessels down to the fatty tissue.

Does red light therapy help hair growth?

Studies like the above led the FDA to clear several at-home red-light devices for hair regrowth. Today, you'll find FDA-cleared combs, caps, and helmets. The at-home devices, which mostly use LED, may stimulate your hair follicles (where hair grows from). This can lead to some hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Why does infrared feel so good?

An infrared heater generates warm wavelengths that our bodies absorb naturally. This extra heat helps our capillaries expand which increases oxygenation and regeneration of red blood. Both of which are extremely important for detoxifying our major organs.

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