Infrared Sauna

Saunas using infrared light to heat the body directly rather than heating the air. Lower temperatures than traditional saunas (110-150°F vs 150-200°F), may be more tolerable for some. Growing evidence for cardiovascular and pain benefits.

8 min read
B Evidence
Time to Benefit Immediate relaxation; weeks to months for chronic benefits
Cost $3,000-8,000 for home unit; $20-50 per session at spas

Bottom Line

Evidence-Based Take:

Infrared saunas heat your body directly with infrared light rather than heating the air around you. This allows for lower ambient temperatures while still raising core body temperature. The research is less extensive than traditional Finnish sauna, but growing evidence supports cardiovascular and pain-related benefits.

What the Evidence Shows:

  • Moderate evidence for chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Some evidence for cardiovascular improvements (blood pressure, endothelial function)
  • Limited evidence for detoxification via sweating
  • Preliminary evidence for chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Less evidence than traditional sauna for longevity outcomes

Honest Assessment:

Infrared saunas are legitimate heat therapy, not a gimmick. They're more tolerable than traditional saunas for people who can't handle high heat. The "detox through sweat" claims are overstated (sweat is mostly water and salt), but the cardiovascular and pain benefits appear real. If you have access to a traditional sauna, the evidence is stronger there. But infrared is a reasonable alternative.

vs Traditional Sauna:

Traditional saunas have the big Finnish longevity studies. Infrared saunas have more research on specific conditions (pain, fatigue). Both raise core temperature and induce sweating.

Science

How Infrared Saunas Work:

Infrared saunas use infrared light (invisible heat radiation) to warm your body directly, rather than heating the air. This is the same type of heat you feel from sunlight, minus UV.

Infrared Spectrum:

TypeWavelengthPenetrationPrimary Effect
Near (NIR)0.7-1.4 μmDeepest (several cm)Cellular, wound healing
Mid (MIR)1.4-3 μmModerateCirculation, pain
Far (FIR)3-100 μmSuperficial (0.1mm)Heating, sweating

Most "infrared saunas" are far infrared. Some combine all three ("full spectrum").

Physiological Effects:

  • Core body temperature rises 1-3°F
  • Heart rate increases (similar to moderate exercise)
  • Blood vessels dilate
  • Sweating begins
  • Heat shock proteins activated
  • Endorphin release

Temperature Comparison:

  • Traditional sauna: 150-200°F (65-93°C)
  • Infrared sauna: 110-150°F (43-65°C)
  • Same core temperature rise, lower air temperature

Sweating and "Detox":

Sweat composition is primarily water, sodium, chloride, and small amounts of urea and lactate. Heavy metals and toxins in sweat are minimal. The detox benefits are more about improved circulation and heat stress adaptation than literally sweating out toxins.

Supporting Studies

6 peer-reviewed studies

View all studies & compare research →

Practical Protocol

Getting Started:

  • Start with 15-20 minutes
  • Temperature: 110-130°F initially
  • Hydrate before, during, and after
  • 2-3 sessions per week

Working Up:

  • Gradually increase to 30-45 minutes
  • Can increase temperature to 130-150°F
  • Some people go daily; 4-7x/week for maximum benefit
  • Listen to your body

Session Protocol:

  1. Hydrate well beforehand (16+ oz water)
  2. Preheat sauna 10-15 minutes
  3. Enter and relax
  4. Wipe sweat periodically (allows more sweating)
  5. Exit if dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable
  6. Cool down gradually
  7. Rehydrate with water + electrolytes

Timing:

  • Morning: Energizing, good for circulation
  • Post-workout: May help recovery (don't do immediately after intense exercise)
  • Evening: Relaxing, may help sleep (finish 1-2 hours before bed)

For Specific Conditions:

ConditionProtocol
Chronic pain15-30 min daily, 130-140°F
Cardiovascular15-20 min, 3-5x/week
Recovery20-30 min post-workout
General wellness20-30 min, 3-4x/week

Risks & Side Effects

General Precautions:

  • Dehydration (drink plenty of water)
  • Overheating (exit if dizzy or nauseous)
  • Hypotension (blood pressure drops, stand up slowly)
  • Burns (rare, from contact with heating elements)

Who Should Be Cautious:

  • Cardiovascular disease (consult doctor first)
  • Pregnancy (avoid or keep sessions short and cool)
  • Multiple sclerosis (heat sensitivity)
  • People on blood pressure medications
  • Those with implanted devices (pacemakers, etc.)
  • Acute inflammation or fever

Contraindications:

  • Unstable angina
  • Recent heart attack
  • Severe aortic stenosis
  • Fever or acute illness
  • Open wounds
  • Alcohol intoxication

EMF Concerns:

Some infrared saunas emit electromagnetic fields. Low-EMF models are available if this concerns you. Evidence for harm from sauna-level EMF is weak, but options exist.

Drug Interactions:

Heat can affect absorption of transdermal medications (patches). Blood pressure medications combined with sauna may cause excessive drops.

Risk Level: Low for healthy adults; consult doctor if you have cardiovascular conditions

Who It's For

Good Candidates:

  • People who find traditional saunas too hot
  • Those with chronic pain conditions
  • People seeking cardiovascular benefits
  • Athletes for recovery
  • Anyone who enjoys heat therapy

May Particularly Benefit:

  • Fibromyalgia (several studies show improvement)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Mild hypertension
  • Muscle soreness and recovery

May Not Be Worth It:

  • If you have access to a traditional sauna (stronger evidence base)
  • Budget-conscious (home units are expensive)
  • People who don't enjoy heat

vs Traditional Sauna:

Choose infrared if: - You can't tolerate high heat - You want lower operating costs - You have a specific condition with infrared research

Choose traditional if:

  • You want the longevity evidence (Finnish studies)
  • You prefer the traditional experience
  • You have access to a gym or spa with one

How to Track Results

Metrics to Track:

MetricHow to MeasureTimeline
Session durationTimerEach session
Temperature usedSauna displayEach session
Subjective wellbeing1-10 scaleWeekly
Pain levels1-10 scaleWeekly
Sleep quality1-10 scaleWeekly
Blood pressureHome monitorMonthly

For Chronic Pain:

  • Track pain levels daily
  • Note which areas improve
  • Compare week-over-week trends

Signs It's Working:

  • Improved pain tolerance
  • Better sleep
  • More relaxed after sessions
  • Improved recovery from exercise
  • Lower resting heart rate over time

Signs to Reassess:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Dehydration symptoms
  • No improvement in 4-6 weeks

Top Products

Premium (Best Quality):

  • Sunlighten - Full spectrum, good research backing, patented tech

Mid-Range:

Budget:

What to Look For:

  • Low EMF certification (if concerned)
  • Type of wood (cedar resists moisture)
  • Heater placement (even coverage)
  • Warranty (5+ years for panels)
  • Third-party safety testing

Cost Breakdown

Home Units:

TypePrice RangeNotes
Portable/tent$200-500Budget option, less effective
1-person cabin$1,500-3,500Good starter option
2-person cabin$2,500-5,000Most popular
Premium brands$4,000-8,000+Clearlight, Sunlighten

Ongoing Costs:

  • Electricity: $0.50-1.50 per session
  • Much less than traditional sauna

Spa/Gym Access:

  • Drop-in: $20-50 per session
  • Membership with sauna: $50-150/month
  • Infrared sauna studios: $30-60 per session

Value Assessment:

A home infrared sauna pays for itself in 1-2 years vs spa visits if you use it 3+ times per week. Lower operating costs than traditional sauna (no rocks to heat, lower temperatures).

Podcasts

Discussed in Podcasts

56 curated moments from top health podcasts. Click any timestamp to play.

Infrared sauna detoxification pulls heavy metals and toxins through sweat

Alicia explains how infrared saunas cause deep detoxification, with studies showing sweat contains heavy metals and environmental toxins that don't come out through exercise or urination. She shares how firefighters use infrared saunas as part of decontamination after fires, producing grayish-brown sweat even after showering.

"Infrared just provides more layers and more dimensions and works with your molecules and your cells in a different way because it also has the spectrum of light energy. And our body must receive light energy to survive. We have to because our body is made up of mitochondria and water. And we have, we're essentially just great big solar panels, right? And when we get the light energy, when we get the infrared, that our bodies are activated and everything starts to convert into energy, and we start to be able to perform, our body starts to perform better. So that was a long answer to your question, but I want to make sure at least you give us some foundation. Yeah. And there's a great quote that says that mal illumination or basically like improper light exposure or lack of light exposure or poor light exposure is to the body what malnutrition is to the body. That light is information, it provides information to all the mitochondria, all the different cells of the body. And when we are just exposed to artificial light all day, not getting the whole spectrum of, you know, UV, infrared, red, all the different spectrum on the light spectrum on a regular basis, then we are missing critical nutrition and information that helps our cells and helps cells function well. And so, you know, it's kind of what you're talking about there. And then infrared is part of the invisible light spectrum. So you don't actually see it, whereas you see UV light and you see, you can see red light like sunrise and sunset. But with the infrared, that's where people get confused too, is that you don't see it, but you can feel it because it has a heating element to it. Right. So I like to describe the spectrum of there's heat, and then gives you as you go farther left, and it goes gets into the light."

Former smokers sweat out carcinogens stored in adipose tissue

Former smokers who quit over a decade ago report that their infrared sauna sweat smells like smoke, demonstrating that carcinogens remain stored in adipose tissue and can only be released through deep penetrating sweat.

"And found an abundance of studies, which still to this day shocks me because this is 25 years ago, right? There were so many studies about it with using infrared on helping with heart disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and changing the endothelial lining, strengthening the endothelial cells. I mean, so many things, lowering blood pressure, changing triglycerides. And so I'm like, wait a second, there is some real great science to this that nobody knows about. And so I eventually, there's a little bit longer of a story, but I won't go into all the details, but eventually left my job and at Procter ⁇ Gamble and with my partner, Aaron Zach, who's my husband now. And we started this in our basement in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then eventually moved to Kansas City, where we are today and have spent the rest of our time committed to delving into the science of the entire spectrum and bringing forth the knowledge of infrared and the powers that it can provide to help transform your body. So that's how I fell into it."

Clinical study shows significant blood pressure reduction in six weeks

Alicia describes a clinical study conducted at UMKC showing that using an infrared sauna three times per week for 30 minutes produced a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure after just six weeks, with no side effects.

"And then mid goes deeper. And then far is really excellent. And it is the foundation of the spectrum. I mean, if you could only do one, you know, I mean, I would suggest you take advantage of all of them because there's so many different benefits. But far infrared, because of the way it is absorbed into your water molecules and how it helps your mitochondria and your whole circulatory system, it really is the key, key component of transforming all of yourselves in so many different ways. And we can go through the different benefits, you know, but especially as it relates to, I know, you know, it's important to you as far as talking about inflammation. That's the, it is the key, key, key marker for helping reduce inflammation. Yeah, let's, let's shift right into that. Let's talk about, you know, because you can get exposed to infrared and, you know, you can get exposed to far infrared, mid, near. Obviously, our ancestors were exposed to it by just being outside all day in the sun, right? But of course, you know, with the technology like with sunlight, what sunlight has, we're able to, in a sense, kind of really isolate or expand upon the benefits that we get from nature being exposed in nature. Although that's obviously extremely beneficial as well, getting a lot of nature exposure. But let's talk about the benefits of getting those wavelengths along with the heat elements of a sauna. Yeah, so the majority, just to expand on what you just said as far as the sunlight, because I love that point because we forget that our ancestors, I mean, you know, they were outside all day and they, their clock was totally controlled by the sun, right? They woke up with the sun and they went to sleep when the sun went down. And now people have crazy hours and they just work different systems, cycles, and they're just, they don't get those wonderful or that feeling that I talked about at the very beginning of feeling of emperor that comes from the sun. They're not getting it on a daily basis and people are trying to block it and, you know, lots of, lots of issues with that. And the majority of sunlight, it's important people know this, the majority, I think it's 55%-ish is the infrared wavelength. So it is really important that if you can get it naturally and out, you know, you also get with sunlight, you know, UV and you get some, you know, are there particular times a day before we get into the sun? Are there particular times a day where there's more infrared? Obviously, like UV, for example, it goes it the amount of UV increases right as we get closer to noon, right? So the hours around noon, and then it kind of decreases from there."

Infrared raises core body temperature to boost immune function

Alicia explains how infrared creates a false fever by raising core body temperature, which improves immunity by increasing white blood cell activity. She recommends using the sauna at the first sign of a cold to prevent it from developing.

"So it can be really confusing. And I understand the confusion. And my mission is to help people understand, like, to help provide clarity to this wonderful, powerful healing wavelength of infrared. And near infrared, because there's no heat, it has to be delivered by LEDs, but it's still invisible, invisible light. And then right next to that is red light, which is the first light that you can see. It's visible in the rainbow, you know, and that has healing properties as well, which we can talk about. So there's really, and then there's also I mean, there's other spectrums, but you know, the majority of benefits will be found within those four spectrums, far, mid, near, and red. And near and red are so, they're so close, they're so tight, they're really interchangeable. So, I mean, it's really, if you think about it, it's really three because you have far, mid, and then near/slash red. They're so, they're so, I mean, incredibly similar, which can talk about what makes them difference, different, but for just most people to know that they're very similar is enough. Yeah, let's talk about that because I know with red, red really hits more of the skin, gets kind of into the dermis, epidermis, but doesn't really get deeper than that into the muscle tissue, right? But it's very good for skin health, right? From my understanding. And then, you know, as you get into your infrared, that's penetrating deeper into your system, into your bloodstream, muscles, bone, visceral organs, right? And having an effect there. So can you break that down a little bit more? Yes, absolutely. And you're exactly right. And the difference between red and near is two factors. One is the color. and red is visible, near is not. So that's the big difference. And the other is a depth of penetration. So red doesn't go as deep as near, and it's really good for the skin, for helping with fine lines, for wrinkles, for wounds, any type of cell repair on a surface layer. There's also great studies with hair loss with red and near. Again, they're interchangeable."

Infrared Sauna Discussion

If you'd like to try AGZ, go to drinkagz.com slash huberman to get a special offer. Again, that's drinkagz.com slash huberman.

"If you'd like to try AGZ, go to drinkagz.com slash huberman to get a special offer. Again, that's drinkagz.com slash huberman. Today's episode is also brought to us by Juve. Juve makes medical grade red light therapy devices."

Infrared vs traditional sauna for detoxification

Dr. Jockers explains the key difference between infrared and traditional saunas - infrared penetrates deeper into the body as an invisible form of light from the natural spectrum, while traditional dry and steam saunas provide more superficial heat.

"there's a difference between infrared sauna and then your typical um high heat dry saunas or your steam saunas. So, the difference is that infrared is comes from the natural spectrum of light. In fact, you don't see it's an invisible form of light, but it comes from the sun. So, it's kind of like being out in the sun and it's a deep penetrating heat."

How infrared mobilizes fat-stored toxins

Infrared light changes water clusters in the body, making them smaller and improving circulation and lymphatic flow. It also vibrates fat cells to push stored toxins into the bloodstream for elimination, making it seven times more effective for detoxification than traditional saunas.

"infrared is going to change the water clusters in our body, right? It's actually going to make the water clusters smaller and they're going to be able to flow more freely, which increases circulation and lymphatic health, which allows us to detox more effectively. It also helps to vibrate and push toxins out of the fat cells."

Infrared stimulates mitochondrial melatonin production

Infrared light stimulates melatonin production within the mitochondria, where it acts as a powerful antioxidant rather than a sleep hormone. This reduces oxidative stress, protects mitochondrial function, and supports fat burning and cellular energy production.

"infrared stimulates mitochondrial melatonin production. Now we think about melatonin, we think about sleep. But in the mitochondria, melatonin is a really powerful antioxidant. It's the most powerful antioxidants that gets into the mitochondria, can slip into the double membrane, one of the very few that can do that. And it helps reduce oxidative stress, which keeps the mitochondria functioning well."

Seven times more effective detox than traditional saunas

Infrared saunas are claimed to be seven times more effective for detoxification than dry or steam saunas due to their deep penetration and water cluster changes. Traditional saunas do activate more heat shock proteins due to higher temperatures, triggering autophagy and clearing damaged cells.

"we know that infrared is seven times more effective for detoxification than your typical dry or steam sauna because it's so deeply penetrating and it changes those water clusters."

Optimal infrared sauna protocol and treatment regimen

Dr. Jockers recommends starting with 20 minutes at 100 degrees for beginners, gradually building to 20-30 minute sessions at 120-160 degrees, 3-4 times per week. Metabolically fit individuals can stack sauna with exercise for deeper detox and more growth hormone release.

"like a day off in between, doing it for"

Infrared Sauna Discussion

I'm a pretty flexible eater. I don't believe that having an artificial, you know, having a diet coke will, you know, somehow cascade into some terrible disease or something like that.

"I'd like to take a quick break and acknowledge our sponsor, Juve. Juve makes medical-grade red light therapy devices."

Infrared sauna is the ultimate whole body longevity hack

Both Natalie and Connie agree that if they could only have one health optimization tool, it would be the infrared sauna, calling it the whole body longevity hack that provides natural light energy the body needs while strengthening cells.

"I shared with my audience before, if I only could have literally one tool, like one age optimizing tool, it would be the infrared sauna. Yeah, it is definitely the, if you only had one thing, it's the whole body longevity hack. I mean, for sure. It's like, it's really all, I mean, it's not all you need, but man, you know, if I could only choose one, I'm choosing this because I'm getting..."

Who to Follow

Proponents:

Research:

  • Japanese researchers have done much of the infrared-specific work
  • Waon therapy (Japanese "soothing warmth" protocol) uses far infrared

Note:

Much of the longevity evidence comes from traditional Finnish sauna studies (Laukkanen et al.). Infrared-specific long-term outcome studies are still needed.

What People Say

What Users Report:

Positive:

  • "More tolerable than traditional sauna"
  • "Helps my fibromyalgia pain significantly"
  • "Sleep better on days I use it"
  • "Great for post-workout recovery"
  • "Relaxing ritual I look forward to"

Negative:

  • "Expensive upfront cost"
  • "Doesn't get as hot as traditional"
  • "Takes up space in my house"
  • "Sweating is different than traditional sauna"

Common Themes:

  • People who can't tolerate traditional heat love infrared
  • Pain patients report significant benefits
  • Consistency matters (regular use beats occasional)

Synergies & Conflicts

Recovery Stack:

Relaxation Stack:

Cardiovascular Stack:

Pairs Well With:

  • Red light therapy (some saunas include it)
  • Meditation or breathwork during session
  • Stretching (muscles are warm and pliable)

vs Traditional Sauna:

Both work. Traditional has more longevity evidence. Infrared is more tolerable and has more condition-specific research. Use what you have access to and will actually use.

Featured in Guides

Last updated: 2026-01-19