You’re never too young to reap the benefits of meditation, nutrition, and even herbal medicine – but in the space of alternative treatments, where do infrared saunas stand? While many are enthusiastic about consistent practice for their renowned health benefits, age limits – if there are any – are an appropriate concern for any health conscious individual who needs to be weary of the limits of their body. In this article, the team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS will break down the facts and determine if infrared saunas are safe for everyone, from kids to seniors. We’ll also touch on infrared sauna safety tips for any age.
Children and Infrared Saunas
The answer to the question “Is it safe for kids to use infrared saunas?” isn’t exactly straightforward. While those in a younger age bracket are absolutely able to practice their sauna sessions, the general recommendation is to maintain caution for kids under the age of 12 – and shorter sauna sessions of 20 minutes or less, at lower temperatures ranging from 37 – 48 degrees. Given that children’s bodies are still developing within this range, their bodies may not be able to regulate temperatures effectively. This leaves them vulnerable to a heightened risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other temperature-related issues. Parental supervision, in other words, is essential to ensure children remain well hydrated during a sauna session.
Adults and Infrared Saunas
For younger adults or those in their prime adult years, there are minimal risks in using infrared saunas. At this age, many would be able to enjoy the full extent of physical and mental benefits that the treatment provides.
Even with this age population, however, there are still several considerations to be made. This is especially true for those with certain health conditions such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, or severe skin conditions. Should they want to try the treatment, it’s imperative they consult with their healthcare provider first and foremost. Pregnant women, too, are recommended to avoid infrared saunas, to avoid potential risks on added stress to the body and elevated body temperature.
Seniors and Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas can provide joint pain relief, muscle relaxation, and reduced blood pressure for the healthy elderly. However, aging still comes with its own set of challenges that can affect whether those elderly can engage in infrared sauna use or not.
One of these challenges is the existence of health conditions such as low blood pressure, heart disease, compromised immune systems, or kidney disease. Some of these may weaken the body’s ability to regulate temperature – given that, seniors with underlying conditions may experience different or even adverse effects during the treatment. It’s also important to note what medications they are taking as some such as diuretics, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and medications that can cause dizziness can leave seniors more prone to dehydration and overheating.
Consulting with a healthcare professional before attempting the treatment is the best course of action. If they do get the green light, it’s best to start with shorter sessions at lower temperatures and incrementally increase both factors as their body adjusts.
General Guidelines for Safe Sauna Use Across All Ages
- Drink plenty of water: When you sweat profusely in infrared saunas, you’ll lose plenty of water from your body. So it’s crucial to hydrate yourself properly before and after your session. The general recommendation is around one to two glasses of water before and after.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before the session: Alcohol is dehydrating by nature and consuming it before your session can lead to dehydration. In more severe cases, it can contribute to potential complications such as low blood pressure, heart problems, and injury.
- Limit your time in the sauna: Healthy adults may tolerate longer infrared sauna sessions of more than 30 minutes. However, for those more likely to experience adverse effects such as seniors, keeping sessions shorter and at lower temperatures is ideal.
- Know your limits: If you start experiencing dizziness or light-headedness, step out of the sauna immediately. This can be signs of dehydration or other medical complications. If these symptoms persist, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
Key Takeaways
While there isn’t a strict age limit for the use of infrared saunas, caution is paramount. Take note, research in regards to age-related use of this treatment is also still limited so it’s always best to approach the treatment with care. When in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
We also offer high-quality home infrared sauna products for those interested in enjoying the benefits of this holistic treatment in their own homes. Contact us for questions or inquiries.