Infrared Sauna Clinical Studies & Scientific Research
70+
Peer-Reviewed Studies & Reviews
Multiple
Systematic Reviews
6+
Health Categories Studied
Summary
Infrared sauna and passive heat therapy have been widely studied for their effects on cardiovascular health, circulation, recovery, and overall well-being. Current research includes systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical studies investigating how regular heat exposure may support vascular function, exercise recovery, quality of life, and metabolic health, while ongoing research continues to explore its broader therapeutic applications.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Infrared sauna products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Published Research
While the biological mechanisms through which passive heat therapy influences human physiology continue to be studied, a growing body of scientific literature supports its effects on cardiovascular function, circulation, exercise recovery, and overall wellness. Below is a curated collection of peer-reviewed clinical studies and systematic reviews exploring the current evidence surrounding infrared sauna and passive heat therapy.
Cardiovascular Health, Vascular Function & Mortality Risk
- Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30077204/ - Is sauna bathing protective of sudden cardiac death? A review of the evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31102597/ - Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11583886/ - Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25740582/
Physiological Responses & Exercise-Like Effects
- Infrared sauna as exercise-mimetic? Physiological responses to infrared sauna vs exercise in healthy women: A randomized controlled crossover trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34954348/
Metabolic Health & Glucose Regulation
- A Single Sauna Session Does Not Improve Postprandial Blood Glucose Handling in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39209309/
Systematic Reviews & Overall Clinical Evidence
- Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5941775/
Blood Flow, Endothelial Function & Circulatory Effects
- Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11583886/ - Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25740582/
Exercise Capacity, Performance & Functional Adaptation
- Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25740582/ - Infrared sauna as exercise-mimetic? Physiological responses to infrared sauna vs exercise in healthy women: A randomized controlled crossover trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34954348/
Inflammation, Stress Response & Systemic Effects
- Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30077204/ - Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5941775/
Quality of Life, Recovery & Clinical Outcomes
- Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25740582/ - Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5941775/
Cardiovascular & Heart Failure Evidence (Key Clinical Trials)
Effects of sauna bath on heart failure (systematic review & meta-analysis)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6489706/
Key findings:
- Infrared sauna exposure was associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
- Reduced B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of cardiac stress
- Overall improvement in cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure
Supports potential relevance for cardiovascular function and circulatory health in clinical settings (short-term outcomes).
Cardiovascular Risk & Vascular Function Evidence
Far-infrared saunas for cardiovascular risk factors (clinical review)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2718593/
Includes:
- Evidence from randomized controlled trials (Level I–II studies)
- Improvements in vascular and cardiovascular parameters
- Reported effects on arrhythmias, blood pressure, and cardiac function
Supports use of far-infrared sauna in clinical research contexts related to cardiovascular risk management and vascular function.
Exercise Recovery & Performance Adaptation
Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from training
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26180741/
Findings:
- Improved recovery following endurance and strength training
- Reduced markers of muscle fatigue
- Improved subjective recovery perception
Supports potential role in post-exercise recovery and physical performance adaptation.