A survey in Sweden's two northernmost provinces (Västerbotten and Norrbotten) found that those who visited a sauna more than once a month had a lower incidence of high blood pressure and reported fewer complaints of pain. Notably, this relationship was dose-dependent: it increased with more frequent sauna use. The results of the study were published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
A total of 1,180 people took part in the study, of which 641 visited the sauna. According to scientists led by Åsa Engström from Luleå University of Technology, sauna goers were more likely to be physically active and smoke less, while they also consumed more alcohol per month than those who did not visit the sauna. Sauna goers also rated their general and mental health, energy levels and happiness higher. In addition, those who visited the sauna had lower rates of anxiety and depression. In most cases, visitors spent 15-20 minutes in the sauna at a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Celsius.
