Infrared saunas are widely celebrated for their numerous health benefits, such as relaxation, improved circulation, pain relief, and detoxification. However, it’s not uncommon for people to feel tired or even drained after a session.
While this might seem counterintuitive, it’s a natural response as your body works hard during and after the session.
Let’s explore why this happens, the mechanisms behind it, and how you can recover effectively to fully enjoy the benefits of infrared saunas.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared saunas operate differently from traditional saunas. Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared light to directly penetrate your skin and heat your body from the inside out. This method allows you to achieve a deep sweat at lower temperatures (50°C–70°C), making the experience more comfortable compared to traditional saunas that can reach up to 90°C.
The infrared heat promotes a range of health benefits, including improved blood circulation, detoxification, stress relief, cardiovascular health, reduced muscle tension, and even enhanced skin clarity. However, the physiological processes that create these benefits also require energy and effort from your body, which can leave you feeling temporarily fatigued after your session.
Reasons for Fatigue After Infrared Saunas
1. Detoxification Requires Energy
One of the primary benefits of infrared saunas is their ability to help your body eliminate toxins through sweat. While this detoxification is beneficial, it’s an energy-intensive process. Your liver, kidneys, and sweat glands work overtime to process and excrete waste products, which can leave you feeling drained by the end of your session.
2. Muscle Relaxation
The infrared heat penetrates deep into your muscles, helping to ease tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation. While this feels great, it also requires your body to expend energy. The process of releasing lactic acid buildup and increasing oxygen flow to muscles can leave you feeling physically relaxed, but it may also contribute to overall tiredness.
3. Passive Cardiovascular Activity
Infrared saunas mimic the effects of light exercise by increasing your heart rate and improving circulation. This “passive cardio” effect promotes excellent cardiovascular health, but it can also lead to fatigue similar to how you might feel after a moderate workout. The more intense the session, the more energy your body spends maintaining this elevated heart rate and supporting circulation.
4. Heat Effects on the Body
Your body works hard to regulate its core temperature when exposed to heat. This process, known as thermoregulation, involves sweating and redirecting blood flow to maintain balance.
Thermoregulation is not only energy-intensive but can also be dehydrating, especially if you don’t drink enough fluids before or during the session. Dehydration can further amplify feelings of drowsiness or fatigue.
How to Recover After a Sauna Session
To minimize fatigue and recover effectively after an infrared sauna session, here are some actionable tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session. Since sweating depletes fluids and electrolytes, opt for electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks to replenish lost minerals.
- Limit Session Time: If you’re new to infrared saunas, start with shorter sessions of 15–20 minutes at lower temperatures. Gradually increase the duration and intensity as your body adapts to the heat.
- Eat Afterward: Refuel your body with a balanced meal or snack. Include carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and healthy fats to support overall wellness. A smoothie, yogurt with fruit, or a light meal with whole grains and lean protein can work wonders.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel after each session. If you notice persistent fatigue, consider taking shorter sessions or spacing them out to allow your body more recovery time. Everyone’s tolerance to heat and sweat varies, so adjust based on your needs.
- Time Wisely: If you find that saunas leave you feeling particularly tired, try scheduling your sessions in the evening. The relaxing effects of the sauna can help prepare your body for restful sleep, and you won’t have to push through fatigue during the day.
- Take a Cool Shower: After your session, a cool (not cold) shower can help lower your body temperature and prevent prolonged overheating, helping you feel more refreshed.
- Rest and Relax: Don’t try to pack in strenuous activities immediately after a sauna session. Give your body the time it needs to recover by resting, meditating, or engaging in light activities like reading or stretching.
While fatigue is normal after using an infrared sauna, excessive tiredness could be a sign that you’re overdoing it. Make sure you’re not staying in the sauna for too long or setting the temperature too high, especially if you’re a beginner.
If you have any medical conditions, such as low blood pressure or heart issues, consult your doctor before using an infrared sauna, as the heat and cardiovascular effects may not be suitable for everyone.
Conclusion
Feeling tired after an infrared sauna session is a natural response to the effort your body puts in to detoxify, relax, and restore balance. This fatigue is often temporary and can even be a sign that your body is benefiting from the session.
By staying hydrated, eating well, and adjusting your sauna routine to suit your needs, you can enjoy the many advantages of infrared saunas while minimizing any post-session fatigue.
Take the time to listen to your body, and let infrared saunas become a restorative part of your wellness journey!
