Sauna and Longevity for Women: What the Research Shows
By Somi Javaid, MD, FACOG, Board-Certified OB/GYN
Women live longer, but in poorer health. Let's change that.
Women outlive men, yet many of us spend those extra years managing chronic illness. My goal for my patients isn't just more years. It's more healthy years. One of the simplest habits with long-term research behind it is regular heat therapy.
What the Finnish studies found
Finland has more saunas than cars, which makes it the perfect place to study them.
Women and men, 50 and older. Researchers followed 1,688 adults in eastern Finland for about 15 years. Those who used a sauna 4–7 times a week had 2.7 deaths from heart disease and stroke per 1,000 people per year, compared with 10.1 among once-a-week users. Longer weekly sauna time was also linked to lower risk. The lead researcher, Professor Jari Laukkanen, said the findings show that "more regular sauna use is associated with a lower risk of death from CVD in middle-aged to elderly women as well as in men." (University of Eastern Finland / BMC Medicine, 2018)
Men, followed for 20 years. An earlier study of 2,315 Finnish men found 40% lower death rates from all causes with 4–7 sessions a week compared with one. (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015)
What the studies don't prove
These are observational studies. People who sauna often may also be healthier in other ways, and other researchers have raised exactly that point (JAMA Internal Medicine letter). They show a strong link, not proof that saunas cause longer life. They also studied traditional hot Finnish saunas, not infrared.
Traditional vs. infrared: which should you choose?
Traditional (Finnish-style): higher heat from a heater and stones. This is what the research studied. Usually needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit installed by an electrician.
Infrared: lower air temperature and gentler heat. Plugs into a standard outlet and fits indoors. It hasn't been studied for longevity the same way, but many women find it easier to use often, and frequency is what mattered in the research.
The best sauna is the one you'll use several times a week.
Who should check with a clinician first
Talk with your clinician before starting if you are pregnant, have heart disease or low blood pressure, or take medications that affect heat tolerance. Hydrate, skip alcohol before sessions, and start with short sessions.
My picks
I've chosen three indoor infrared saunas and three outdoor traditional barrels, from about $2,000 to $5,700. See the Longevity picks on my shop →
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a commission from other links in this article, at no cost to you. Education only, not medical advice.
