How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?

Research shows that sauna use has been linked to a longer lifespan and a reduction in cardiovascular issues. To enjoy these and other sauna-related benefits, though, you need to make sure you’re spending enough time (but not too much) in the sauna.

 Have you been asking questions like “how long should you sit in a sauna?” or “how long should you sit in a sauna to detox?” Are you unsure of how long to stay in sauna to experience the greatest benefits?

 Read on to learn everything you need to know so you can maximize your sauna time and start looking and feeling your best.

Benefits of Sitting in a Sauna

Before we answer questions like “how long should I stay in the sauna?” or “how long should you be in a sauna?”, let’s address some of the benefits that sauna usage has to offer.

 As we mentioned above, spending time in a sauna has been linked to an extended lifespan and improved heart health. There are other reasons to include sauna time in your wellness routine, though, including the following:

• Faster Detoxification
• Reduced Stress
• Improved Skin Health
• Stronger Immune System

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?

When they start asking “how long should I sit in a sauna?” or “how long can you stay in a sauna?” or “how much time should you spend in a sauna?”, most people are looking for a specific answer. They want to be told that 15 minutes is the ideal time in sauna for everyone.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. 

 To answer the question “how long should you sit in a sauna for?” you’ll first need to answer some other questions related to your previous sauna experience, your health, and your goals.

 For example, if you’re a beginner who has never used a sauna before, it’s best to limit your first session to a mere 5-10 minutes. However, if you’re an experienced person asking “how long in sauna?” you may feel more comfortable starting with a 15-20 minute session.

 The answer to the question “how long do I stay in a sauna?” may also vary depending on the day. For example, if you haven’t had a lot of water in the last 24 hours, you may choose to limit your session to just 5 minutes so you don’t become more dehydrated.

Really, Though, How Long Can You Stay in the Sauna?

For those who want a more straightforward answer to the question “how long do you stay in a sauna?” this breakdown may help:

• Beginner Users: 5-10 minutes
• Intermediate Users: 10-15 minutes
• Advanced Users: 15-20 minutes

 Children aged 6 and over can also use the sauna. However, it’s not recommended that they spend more than 15 minutes in the sauna at a time. Kids asking “how long can I stay in a sauna?” should be supervised by an adult the entire time, too.

Dry Sauna vs Steam Sauna

A dry sauna uses dry heat generated by wood, hot rocks, or an electric heating element. A steam sauna, on the other hand, uses moist heat produced by a generator that’s filled with boiling water.

Has your list of sauna time-related questions included queries like “how long should you sit in a dry sauna?” or “how long to sit in dry sauna” or “how long to stay in dry sauna vs steam sauna?”

The good news is that most experts give the same time recommendations whether you’re asking “how long dry sauna?” or “how long steam sauna?”

For beginners who want to know “how long should you be in a dry sauna or steam sauna?” the answer is 5-10 minutes. For intermediate users, 10-15 minutes is typically sufficient, and for advanced users wondering “how long can you sit in a dry sauna?” 15-20 minutes will be plenty.

Can You Sauna Too Much?

Some people who want to know “how long to sit in sauna?” or “how long should I sit in sauna?” also want to know if it’s possible to spend too much time in the sauna.

 These folks want to know “sauna: how long to stay in?” or “how long can u stay in a sauna?” or “how long in sauna is safe?” They also want to know if there’s a cut-off point.

 Mot experts do not recommend spending more than 20 minutes in a sauna (15 for younger users). If you spend more than 20 minutes in a sauna, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated, getting dizzy, or experiencing other health issues.

Should Anyone Avoid the Sauna?

Before you ask “how long should you stay in a sauna for?” or “how long in sauna to get benefits?”, you may want to take a step back and ask yourself if you should be using the sauna at all. If any of the following apply to you, you should consult a doctor before using a sauna:

• Recent heart attack
• Low blood pressure
• Skin issues irritated by sweat
• Pregnancy

 Those who are ill should also wait until they feel better to use the sauna. Don’t search “how long should u stay in the sauna?” or “how long should u sit in sauna?” or “how long should I use the sauna when sick?” Instead, focus on getting well.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Sauna Time

If you’re wondering “how long to stay in sauna for health benefits?” or “how long do you sit in a sauna to feel better?” or “how long do I stay in the sauna?” remember that there are other steps you can take to maximize the results you experience.

 In addition to asking “how long should you sauna?” or “what’s the recommended sauna time for beginners?” make sure you’re also doing the following:

• Drinking plenty of water to reduce your risk of dehydration
• Setting a timer so you don’t overheat (bring a watch so you don’t have to worry about how to tell time in a sauna)
• Starting with a conservative temperature (around 100 degrees)
• Gradually increasing how long you sit in sauna so you don’t overdo it

Wondering How Long to Use Sauna? Now You Know!

There you have it: Your ultimate guide to “how long should you spend in a sauna?” and “how long in sauna for benefits?” If you’ve been confused searching for answers to questions like “how much time in sauna?” or “how long should I be in a sauna?” hopefully, this article has been helpful.

Are you ready to start enjoying all the benefits saunas have to offer? Head to our shop today to check out our collection!