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How Stress Affects The Body
Chronic stress can take a toll on nearly every system in the body. While you might assume an illness is behind symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep or an upset stomach, long-term stress may be the root cause. It can also lead to mood changes, headaches, chest pain, muscle tension and decreased sex drive. Left unmanaged, stress contributes to serious health concerns such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
According to the American Psychological Association, average stress levels in the U.S. rose from 4.9 to 5.1 on a 10-point scale in 2015, with money and employment listed as the most common sources. Stress symptoms should not be ignored, especially chest pain with shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, sweating or dizziness, which may indicate a heart attack rather than stress alone.
Stress Relief from Infrared Saunas
Infrared sauna therapy provides a natural way to calm the body and mind. Sauna heat shifts the body from a sympathetic (“fight or flight”) state into a parasympathetic (“rest and restore”) state, helping reduce cortisol levels and promote balance. Studies have shown cortisol may initially rise during a sauna session and drop significantly afterward, leaving the body more relaxed.
Infrared saunas also release endorphins and dopamine, which are tied to mood, energy and a sense of calm. According to the North American Sauna Society, endorphin release during sauna bathing may be up to three times higher than normal. This process can improve sleep, elevate mood and support long-term stress management.
Chromotherapy lighting, 360° heat penetration and soothing entertainment options in Good Health Saunas create an environment where stress symptoms ease, muscles relax and nerve endings calm. This makes sauna sessions a valuable way to combat nervous tension, reduce anxiety and encourage whole-body relaxation.
What Are The Benefits of Infrared Saunas?
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, while infrared saunas warm the body directly using safe, invisible light waves. This allows for deeper penetration at lower temperatures, typically around 140°F versus 185°F in a steam sauna. As a result, sweating begins earlier and is often more comfortable, making infrared sessions more accessible for those who cannot tolerate extreme heat.
According to a 2009 review by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, infrared saunas place less demand on the cardiovascular system while still offering health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced pain, lower blood pressure and relief from chronic conditions.
Scientific evidence also points to mental health benefits. In one study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 45 subjects reported significant improvements in mood, confusion, fatigue and anxiety after just one sauna visit. Research at the University of Wisconsin also showed whole-body heating activated brain regions responsible for serotonin production and mood regulation, with depression symptoms improving for weeks after treatment.
Lowering High Blood Pressure with Sauna Use
Stress-related symptoms often include elevated blood pressure. Regular sauna use has been shown to reduce hypertension risks. A large 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine tracked over 2,300 middle-aged Finnish men and found frequent sauna use led to lower risks of fatal heart disease, high blood pressure and dementia. Researchers concluded the heat exposure and relaxation aspects of sauna bathing support heart health and longevity.
Infrared saunas are also used in Waon Therapy, a Japanese treatment where short heat sessions are alternated with reclined rest. This approach highlights the power of infrared heat for both physical and emotional stress reduction.