9 Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits to Know

Let's be honest: In today's world, we could all use a little more "me time." An infrared sauna blanket gives you just that—a perfect excuse to carve out some self-care moments in your busy day, all while reaping amazing health benefits.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional seeking stress relief, or someone looking to boost their immune system naturally, an infrared sauna blanket might be the game-changer you've been searching for.

Read on to explore the infrared sauna blanket benefits that may make this tool an integral part of your health and wellness routine.

What is an Infrared Sauna Blanket?

So, what is a sauna blanket? An infrared sauna blanket is a portable, personal wellness device that harnesses the power of far-infrared technology to deliver sauna-like benefits in a compact, flexible form. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, these innovative blankets use infrared rays to directly warm your body, penetrating deeper into tissues and promoting a range of health benefits.¹ Learn more about the sauna blanket vs sauna in our blog.

An infrared sauna blanket envelops your body, creating a cocoon of therapeutic warmth. The blanket is also equipped with multiple layers, including heat-resistant and waterproof materials, ensuring safety and comfort during use. Inside, infrared heating elements emit invisible light waves that raise your core body temperature, inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat.

If you've ever felt uncomfortable in traditional saunas (maybe it's the intense heat or the idea of sharing space with strangers), these blankets allow you to enjoy the benefits of a sauna experience in the comfort of your own home.

But what exactly are these benefits?

Benefit 1: Detoxification

Infrared sauna blankets and personal saunas have gained popularity as convenient and effective methods for detoxification. As mentioned, these devices use far-infrared technology to penetrate deep into the body's tissues, raising core temperature and stimulating sweat glands.¹

This process facilitates the elimination of toxins, offering a unique approach to cleansing the body:

• As your body heats up, blood circulation improves, which aids in the transport of toxins to elimination organs.
• By sweating, your body excels heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and other harmful substances that can accumulate.

However, this intense sweating and the accompanying fluid loss make proper hydration a crucial part of any infrared sauna blanket routine. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your session helps support the detox process.

Benefit 2: Improved Cardiovascular Health

Another potential benefit of infrared sauna blanket use is improved cardiovascular health. This is because the technology mimics the effects of moderate exercise (raising core temperature and stimulating sweating) without physical strain.²

In fact, the heat exposure triggers physiological responses similar to those experienced during a workout, including increased heart rate.

This means—for individuals with limited mobility or those recovering from cardiovascular issues—infrared sauna blankets can provide a gentle yet effective way to support heart health. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating this therapy into your wellness routine, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition.

Benefit 3: Enhanced Blood Flow and Stroke Prevention

Research suggests that infrared sauna blankets may also offer promising benefits for enhancing blood flow and potentially aiding in stroke prevention.

For instance, one study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that far-infrared sauna therapy improved ventricular arrhythmias in patients with congestive heart failure, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.³

The increased blood flow induced by infrared sauna blankets may also lead to improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure—both crucial factors in stroke prevention. And, as mentioned, regular use of these blankets can mimic the effects of moderate exercise on the cardiovascular system, potentially lowering the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.

Benefit 4: Mood Elevation

Infrared sauna blankets might also be able to elevate your mood. Here’s a look at how they can help combat stress and improve mental well-being:

• Releasing endorphins – The warmth generated by these blankets can trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body's "feel-good" hormones. An increase in these hormones can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.⁴
• Lowering cortisol production – Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays a crucial role in the body's stress response and overall mood regulation.⁵ Interestingly, while triggering endorphins, infrared sauna blankets can also reduce cortisol levels.
• Promoting self-care – The act of dedicating time to self-care through sauna sessions can be a mood-boosting ritual in and of itself. This intentional relaxation time allows individuals to disconnect from daily stressors and practice mindfulness, further enhancing mood and overall mental health.

While more research is needed to fully understand the psychological benefits of infrared sauna blankets, you may notice that you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and emotionally balanced after regular sessions.

Benefit 5: Cognitive and Brain Health Boost

Infrared sauna blankets offer a promising avenue for cognitive and brain health enhancement, potentially contributing to the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. While most studies have focused on traditional saunas, the principles can be applied to infrared sauna blankets, which provide similar heat therapy benefits.

Research suggests that regular sauna use may have neuroprotective effects. For instance, a 2017 study found that middle-aged Finnish men who used saunas 4-7 times per week had a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to those who used saunas only once a week.⁶

The cognitive benefits of heat therapy may be attributed to several mechanisms:

• Improved vascular function – Sauna use enhances blood flow, potentially increasing cerebral perfusion and delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
• Reduced inflammation – Heat exposure can trigger anti-inflammatory responses in the body, which may help protect against neurodegenerative processes.
• Increased production of neurotrophic factors – Studies have shown that heat stress can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), both crucial for neuronal health and plasticity.⁷
• Stress reduction – Regular sauna sessions can help reduce stress, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.

While more research is needed, the existing evidence suggests that regular sauna use could be a valuable addition to a brain-healthy lifestyle. Learn more about how often to use a sauna blanket for optimal benefits.

Benefit 6: Muscle Recovery and Reduced Soreness

By delivering deep-penetrating infrared heat directly to the body, infrared sauna blankets can potentially accelerate the healing process after intense physical activity. This is because the heat from infrared sauna blankets may increase blood circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles.

This improved blood flow can also help flush out lactic acid and other metabolic waste products that contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue.⁸ Additionally, the warmth can help relax tense muscles, potentially reducing stiffness and improving flexibility.

Some users even report experiencing decreased delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) when using infrared sauna blankets regularly after workouts. Even better? The convenience of these portable devices allows for easy integration into post-workout routines, making them an attractive option if you’re seeking to optimize your recovery process.

Benefit 7: Weight Management

Infrared sauna blankets have also gained attention in the realm of weight management—but it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. While these devices don't directly cause significant weight loss, they can contribute to overall body composition improvements and support weight management efforts.

The primary benefit of infrared sauna blanket use for weight management is increased calorie burn through passive sweating. This process can lead to temporary water weight loss and a slight increase in metabolic rate.⁹ However, it's important to reiterate that any weight lost during a session is primarily water, which is quickly replenished.

More significantly, regular use of infrared sauna blankets may help:

• Improve insulin sensitivity, potentially aiding in blood sugar regulation
• Reduce inflammation, which can positively impact metabolism
• Enhance recovery from exercise, allowing for more consistent workouts
• Promote relaxation and stress reduction, potentially curbing stress-related eating

While not a magic solution for weight loss, infrared sauna blankets can be a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to weight management when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Benefit 8: Enhanced Sleep Quality

Regular use of infrared sauna blankets may also promote better sleep quality, a crucial factor in maintaining positive mood and emotional balance.

The deep penetrating heat can help relax tense muscles, reducing physical discomfort that can contribute to stress and irritability. Reduced cortisol levels as a result of infrared sauna blanket use may also have a positive impact on sleep habits and quality.

Benefit 9: Enhanced Privacy and Control

One of the primary benefits of infrared sauna blankets—when compared to traditional saunas—is that these portable devices allow you to enjoy their benefits from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for shared public spaces.

Additionally:

• You can adjust the heat settings to your personal comfort levels, unlike fixed-temperature traditional saunas.
• Easy setup and storage make sauna blankets practical for regular use without dedicated space requirements.

These features make infrared sauna blankets an exceptionally convenient way to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Why Choose Lifepro's Infrared Sauna Blanket?

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of an at-home sauna experience, look no further than Lifepro's affordable infrared sauna blankets. Made from non-toxic, waterproof materials, they ensure durability, easy maintenance, and enhanced wellness—all from the comfort of home.

Detoxify, revitalize, and embrace a healthier life with Lifepro.

Sources:

1. MedicalNewsToday. Infrared sauna blankets: Are they effective and safe? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-infrared-sauna-blanket#effectiveness
2. Mayo Clinic. What is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954
3. National Library of Medicine. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718593/
4. Byrdie. Infrared Sauna Blankets: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.byrdie.com/infrared-sauna-blanket-5209537
5. WebMD. What is cortisol? https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol
6. National Library of Medicine. Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged Finnish men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27932366/
7. Taylor & Francis. Head-out immersion in hot water increases serum BDNF in healthy males. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2017.1394502
8. Cleveland Clinic. What Is Lactic Acid? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24521-lactic-acid
9. National Library of Medicine. Some cardiovascular and metabolic effects of repeated sauna bathing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3766176/
10. Ageist. Why We’re Obsessed With Our Sauna Blanket. https://www.ageist.com/wellness/health/why-were-obsessed-with-our-sauna-blanket/

Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.