9 Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits

Infrared sauna blankets are rapidly gaining popularity as a convenient and effective way to experience the health benefits of traditional saunas from the comfort of your own home. These personal saunas use infrared rays to generate heat, which penetrates deep into the body to promote a wide range of health benefits. From detoxification and improved cardiovascular health to enhanced muscle recovery and better sleep quality, there are numerous advantages to using an infrared sauna blanket. In this article, we will explore the top 9 infrared sauna blanket benefits that you should know.

What is an Infrared Sauna Blanket?

Before diving into the benefits, let's first understand what an infrared sauna blanket is. An infrared sauna blanket is a type of infrared sauna that is a portable and easy-to-use device that resembles a sleeping bag. It is made with special materials that emit infrared rays, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. These rays penetrate the body, raising its core temperature and inducing a deep sweat. When comparing a sauna blanket vs sauna, The experience is similar to that of a traditional sauna but without the need for a dedicated sauna room or space.

Benefit 1: Detoxification

One of the primary benefits of using an infrared sauna blanket is detoxification. Sweating is one of the body's natural ways of eliminating toxins, and infrared sauna blankets can greatly enhance this process. The deep heat generated by the blanket helps open up the pores, allowing toxins to be released through sweat. Studies have shown that sweat produced during infrared sauna sessions contains higher levels of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, compared to sweat produced during exercise or regular sweating activities.³ This suggests that infrared sauna blankets may be a more effective method of detoxification.

Benefit 2: Improved Cardiovascular Health

Infrared sauna blanket sessions have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. The heat generated by the blanket causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow and improved circulation. This, in turn, can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that regular sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. The researchers observed that men who participated in sauna sessions two to three times per week had a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death compared to those who only used a sauna once a week.⁷

Benefit 3: Enhanced Blood Flow and Stroke Prevention

In addition to improving cardiovascular health, infrared sauna blankets can also enhance blood flow and potentially reduce the risk of strokes. The heat from the blanket causes blood vessels to expand, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach various parts of the body. This improved blood flow can help prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. A study published in the journal Stroke found that frequent sauna bathing was associated with a lower risk of stroke. The researchers observed that participants who used a sauna four to seven times per week had a significantly reduced risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to those who only used a sauna once a week.¹

Benefit 4: Mood Elevation

Using an infrared blanket can also have a positive impact on your mood. When you're exposed to heat, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that promote a sense of well-being and happiness. In addition, you can use an infrared sauna for anxiety. Sauna sessions can help reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone associated with anxiety and depression. By promoting the release of endorphins and reducing cortisol levels, infrared sauna blankets can contribute to a more positive and uplifted mood.

Benefit 5: Cognitive and Brain Health Boost

Recent studies have shown that sauna use, including infrared sauna blankets, may have a positive impact on cognitive function and brain health. Regular sauna bathing has been associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.² In a study published in the journal Age and Ageing, researchers found that frequent sauna use was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.¹ The heat and increased blood flow experienced during sauna sessions may help improve brain function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.

Benefit 6: Muscle Recovery and Reduced Soreness

Whether you're an athlete or simply someone who enjoys exercising, infrared sauna blankets can be a valuable tool for muscle recovery and reducing post-workout soreness. The deep heat generated by the blanket helps increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products more efficiently. This enhanced blood circulation can speed up the recovery process and help with pain relief in sore muscles. Additionally, infrared rays have been shown to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.

Benefit 7: Weight Management

While infrared sauna blankets are not a magic solution for weight loss, they can support your overall weight management efforts. During a sauna session, your body's core temperature rises, leading to an increase in heart rate and metabolic rate. This can result in a higher calorie burn, similar to that of a moderate-intensity workout. However, it's important to note that the weight loss experienced during sauna sessions is primarily due to fluid loss through sweat and not fat loss. Nevertheless, incorporating regular sauna sessions into a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall weight management goals. Learn more about incorporating an infrared sauna for weight loss in your regimen. 

Benefit 8: Enhanced Sleep Quality

If you struggle with sleep issues, using an infrared sauna blanket may help improve your sleep quality. The heat and relaxation experienced during sauna sessions can promote a deeper state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Sauna use has also been shown to increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.⁸ By enhancing relaxation and promoting the natural sleep hormone, infrared sauna blankets can support a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Benefit 9: Enhanced Privacy and Control

Compared to traditional saunas, infrared sauna blankets offer enhanced privacy and control. With a sauna blanket, you can enjoy the benefits of a sauna session in the comfort of your own home without the need for a dedicated sauna room. This means you can create your own personal sauna experience whenever you want, without the need to share a public space. Additionally, most infrared sauna blankets come with temperature control settings, allowing you to adjust the infrared heat to your comfort level and tailor the experience to your specific needs.

Why Choose Lifepro's Infrared Sauna Blanket?

So, do sauna blankets work? The benefits are quite clear, and when it comes to choosing an infrared sauna blanket, Lifepro offers a range of high-quality options that prioritize both performance and user experience. Lifepro's infrared sauna blankets are designed with advanced heating technology to ensure even heat distribution and optimal results. These blankets are made from premium materials that are durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. Lifepro also prioritizes safety and convenience, with features such as automatic shut-off timers and adjustable temperature range settings. With Lifepro's infrared sauna blankets, you can enjoy the full range of benefits in the comfort of your own home.

In conclusion, infrared sauna blankets offer a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. From detoxification and improved cardiovascular health to enhanced muscle recovery and better sleep quality, these blankets provide a convenient and effective way to experience the benefits of traditional saunas. Incorporating regular sauna sessions into your wellness routine can support your overall health and contribute to a happier, healthier lifestyle. So, infrared vs traditional sauna: what's best? That's ultimately up for you to decide.

Experience the power of infrared sauna blankets for yourself and start enjoying the numerous benefits today with the best infrared sauna blankets from Lifepro.

Sources:

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2. Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009;55(7):691-696 
3. Henderson KN, Killen LG, O'Neal EK, Waldman HS. The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1105. Published 2021 Jan 27. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031105 
4. Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:1857413. Published 2018 Apr 24. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413 
5. Brunt VE, Minson CT. Heat therapy: mechanistic underpinnings and applications to cardiovascular health. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2021;130(6):1684-1704. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00141.2020 
6. Blum N, Blum A. Beneficial effects of sauna bathing for heart failure patients. Exp Clin Cardiol. 2007;12(1):29-32.
7. Kunutsor SK, Khan H, Zaccardi F, Laukkanen T, Willeit P, Laukkanen JA. Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women: A prospective cohort study. Neurology. 2018;90(22):e1937-e1944. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000005606 
8. deBara D. Sauna & Sleep: A Winning Combo? The Pulse Blog. Published January 18, 2023. https://ouraring.com/blog/sauna-sleep-a-winning-combo/

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.