What Does a Sauna Do? A Complete Guide to Sauna Use
Saunas have been part of wellness traditions for generations, offering warmth, quiet, and a simple way to step out of everyday routine. Today, people explore everything from classic dry sauna rooms to near infrared sauna and far infrared sauna models for at-home use. This guide explains what a sauna does, how saunas work, the wide sauna temperature range, and when it may make sense to use a sauna before or after a workout in an easy-to-understand way.
If you are already comparing home sauna options, you can explore our 2 person sauna collection and our 5 person sauna collection for different layouts and installation styles.
How Do Saunas Work?
Saunas use controlled heat to warm either the air around you or your body directly. Dry saunas raise the temperature of a sauna by heating the air, while infrared saunas use panels that emit infrared light. People often search for questions like how do saunas work, what temperature should a sauna be, or how hot is a sauna supposed to be. A typical dry sauna temperature is usually between 150 and 195°F (65 to 90°C). By comparison, the best temperature for infrared sauna sessions is often between 110 and 140°F (43 to 60°C).
Rather than aiming for the hottest sauna temperature, most people focus on finding an ideal sauna temperature that feels comfortable and sustainable. Beginning on the lower end of the sauna temp range is a simple way to learn your personal comfort zone.
What Does a Sauna Do?
When people ask what does a sauna do or what are the benefits of a sauna, they are often seeking an understanding of how it fits into everyday routines. A sauna session can support relaxation, help you slow down after a busy day, and create a calm space to disconnect and reset. Searches such as is sauna good for you, health benefits of sauna, what are saunas good for, and sauna relax all relate to the same idea: many people appreciate the warmth, stillness, and focus that a sauna provides.
For more about what saunas are good for, you can read Benefits of a Sauna – What Are Saunas Good For.
Dry Sauna and Infrared Sauna
When comparing infrared sauna vs regular sauna, it helps to understand how each creates heat. A traditional dry sauna warms the air using a heater and stones. Infrared saunas use near infrared or far infrared panels that warm your body directly. Searches such as infrared sauna vs dry sauna, what is a dry sauna, and advantages of dry sauna reflect the differences between these two styles.
Dry saunas often produce stronger surrounding heat, while infrared saunas maintain lower air temperatures but still create a deeply warming experience. The typical infrared sauna temperature is milder, which some people prefer for longer, gentler sessions.
For a deeper look, you can visit:
Sauna Temperature and How Long to Stay In
Many people explore searches such as what is a good sauna temp, recommended sauna temperature, how hot does a sauna get, or typical sauna temperature. A normal sauna temperature depends on the model, heater type, and personal preference. What matters most is finding an optimal sauna temperature that feels balanced.
Popular questions include how long should you stay in a sauna, how long to sit in sauna, or how long to stay in sauna after workout. There is no single rule for everyone. Most people begin with shorter sessions and stay only as long as they feel comfortable. If you have specific health conditions or questions, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting a regular sauna routine.
Sauna Before or After a Workout?
The topic sauna before and after workout is one of the most searched sauna questions. Many enjoy using a sauna after exercise because it creates a natural transition into a slower, calmer part of the day. Searches include sauna benefits after workout, sauna after gym benefits, benefits of sauna after a workout, and benefits of sauna after exercise.
Others explore sauna before or after working out, sauna before or after a workout, sauna before or after exercise, or when is the best time to use a sauna. In practice, the best time to sauna varies for each person. Post-workout sessions are common because the body is already warm.
For a dedicated guide on this topic, visit Sauna After a Workout – Benefits Before or After Exercise.
Phones, Calories, and Other Common Sauna Questions
Can You Bring Your Phone in a Sauna?
Many wonder can you bring your phone in a sauna, can I take my phone in the sauna, or phone in sauna. Electronics are not designed for high heat or humidity, and prolonged exposure can cause damage. It is usually best to keep your phone outside and enjoy a screen-free environment.
Do Saunas Burn Calories?
Searches such as how many calories do you burn in a sauna, calories burned in sauna, does a sauna burn calories, sauna calorie loss, or how many calories does a sauna burn are very common. Sauna sessions may increase heart rate slightly and lead to temporary water loss, but they are not a primary weight-management tool. Changes on the scale after a sauna session are usually from fluid loss and return once rehydrated.
Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Home
Once you understand what a sauna does and how saunas work, the next step is choosing a model that fits your preferences and space. Some prefer the classic feel of a dry sauna, while others enjoy the lower temperature range of infrared rooms.
Explore our collections to compare options:
Feel free to move between this guide and our related posts on sauna temperature, dry sauna advantages, sauna usage, sauna after a workout, and infrared sauna differences. Each one is written to help you understand how to choose the right sauna for your home and your routine.
Written by Pedram Beheshti
