Unlike traditional saunas that warm the surrounding air, infrared saunas use a specific wavelength of light to directly heat the body. This infrared sauna heat is not only a more efficient method but is also often perceived as more comfortable, given the lower temperatures involved. So, how hot should an infrared sauna be to ensure users receive the optimum benefits?

Understanding Infrared Sauna Heat

Infrared saunas are distinct from their traditional counterparts in the manner they generate heat. While traditional saunas increase the temperature of the environment around you, infrared saunas target the body directly using a safe wavelength of light. This direct approach means that you can enjoy a sauna experience at a lower ambient temperature while still achieving profound sweating and relaxation. Learn more about how hot infrared saunas can get.

What Temperature To Set Infrared Sauna At?

If you’re wondering what temperature an infrared sauna should be, the ideal setting may be more personal than you think. Everyone’s comfort level and heat tolerance vary. However, based on our extensive experience at Found—Space, Australia’s longest-running infrared sauna company, we suggest setting your infrared sauna between 45°C – 55°C. 

Typically, a session should last about 30-45 minutes. Our modern infrared saunas come equipped with digital control panels, allowing you to preset your desired temperature and duration. And remember, it’s entirely okay to be inside your sauna as it warms up.

Maximising Your Infrared Sauna Experience: Tips & Tricks

To ensure you make the most out of your infrared sauna sessions, consider the following recommendations:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before, during, and after your session is crucial. It not only keeps you hydrated but also helps in temperature regulation.
• Post-Session Cold Shower: A cold shower after your sauna can aid in cooling down your body. It also helps wash away perspiration and toxins released during the session. Additionally, this cold exposure might activate cold shock proteins, potentially assisting in fat assimilation for weight loss.
• Temperature Adjustments: If, during your session, you find the heat overwhelming, don’t hesitate to adjust. You can either open the vent or door for some instant relief or simply turn the temperature down using the control panel.

The Science Behind Sauna Benefits

Saunas, whether traditional or infrared, have long been celebrated for their ability to elevate body temperature. As the body warms up, it triggers a cascade of healing responses. These responses tap into the body’s innate capabilities to detoxify, rejuvenate, and promote relaxation. This process offers a holistic boost, benefiting both one’s physical and mental well-being.

Understanding the underlying purpose of saunas provides clarity on the significance of temperature settings. The primary goal of any sauna session is to raise the internal body temperature, not necessarily the environment’s temperature. Everyone has a unique comfort threshold when it comes to heat exposure. Variables such as health conditions, fitness levels, and prior heat experiences influence an individual’s reaction to varying sauna temperatures. Therefore, the journey to discovering the ideal sauna temperature is deeply personal. It demands attunement to one’s body, a willingness to experiment, and open communication with others who may share the sauna space.

Moreover, prepping your body before stepping into a sauna can enhance the experience manifold. Simple activities, like a brisk walk or some gentle stretches, can elevate your body’s core temperature and stimulate blood circulation. This internal heat generation means that you don’t need an extremely high sauna temperature to achieve an internal body temperature of around 38.5ºC.

Find Your Ideal Infrared Sauna

In conclusion, while the question of what temperature should an infrared sauna be doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, the range of 45°C – 55°C is a good starting point. Adjust based on what feels comfortable for you, and always ensure you’re following safety practices and staying hydrated. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or a beginner, infrared saunas promise a rejuvenating experience.

Browse our range of top-quality infrared saunas online or in person at our Melbourne or Brisbane boutique. 

If you have additional questions about what temperature should an infrared sauna be set at, fill out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.