A survey in Sweden's two northernmost provinces (Västerbotten and Norrbotten) found that those who used a sauna more than once a month had lower rates of high blood pressure and reported fewer complaints of pain. Notably, this relationship was dose-dependent, increasing with increased frequency of sauna use. The study's findings were published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
A total of 1,180 people participated in the study, 641 of whom used a sauna. According to researchers led by Åsa Engström of Luleå University of Technology, sauna users were more likely to be physically active and smoke less, while also consuming more alcohol monthly than those who did not use a sauna. Sauna users also rated their general and mental well-being, energy levels, and happiness higher. Furthermore, sauna users had lower rates of anxiety and depression. In most cases, sauna users spent 15–20 minutes in the sauna at temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Celsius.
