Both steam rooms and saunas are popular choices when it comes to relaxation and health benefits.
However, understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision about which is best for your needs.
This article delves into the specific characteristics of steam rooms and traditional saunas, their respective health benefits, potential risks, and where infrared saunas fit into the picture.
Steam Room vs Sauna: Understanding the Basics
What is a Steam Room?
A steam room, often found in spas and health clubs, is a heated room that uses steam to create a high-humidity environment.
Typically, steam rooms maintain a temperature of around 110°F to 114°F but with very high humidity, from 80-100%.
The primary source of heat in a steam room comes from boiling water, which produces steam and fills the room with moist heat.
What is a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna, on the other hand, offers a dry heat experience.
These saunas are usually constructed with wood and are heated by a stove, either electric or wood-burning, that warms the air inside.
Temperatures in traditional saunas can reach between 150°F and 195°F, but with low humidity levels, usually around 10% to 20%.
The Heat Factor: Dry vs Moist Heat
One of the key differences between a steam room and a traditional sauna is the type of heat they provide.
Steam rooms offer moist heat, which can feel more intense and penetrating due to the high humidity, despite having lower temperatures.
Traditional saunas provide dry heat, which, because of the lower humidity, allows for higher air temperatures.
Sensory Experience
The experience of being in a steam room versus a sauna also differs.
The thick steam in steam rooms can create a sense of envelopment and has a more immediate effect on the body, making it feel hotter quicker.
In contrast, the dry air of a sauna offers a more gradual heat that permeates the body over time.
Health Benefits of Steam Rooms and Saunas
Steam room benefits and traditional saunas have many health benefits, most of them overlapping.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Both steam rooms and saunas have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health.
The heat in these environments causes blood vessels to dilate, potentially helping to lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Regular use of a steam room or sauna might contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
2. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief
The heat from both steam rooms and saunas can help relax muscles and alleviate soreness, making them a great post-workout choice.
This relaxation effect can also contribute to pain relief, particularly for those suffering from conditions like arthritis.
3. Skin Health
The moist heat of steam rooms is particularly beneficial for skin health, as it helps open pores and cleanse the skin.
The dry heat of saunas, while not as effective for cleansing, can still improve circulation to the skin, promoting a healthy glow.
4. Respiratory Benefits
Steam rooms, because of their moist heat, can be particularly beneficial for respiratory health.
The steam can help clear congestion and improve breathing, which can be a relief for those with conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
5. Stress Relief and Relaxation
Both steam rooms and saunas offer a relaxing environment that can help reduce stress and promote well-being.
The heat encourages relaxation of both the body and mind, which can be an effective way to unwind after a stressful day or intense workout.
Risks and Precautions
While steam rooms and saunas offer numerous health benefits, there are also risks associated with their use. It’s important to be aware of these and to take appropriate precautions.
Dehydration and Overheating
Both steam rooms and saunas induce heavy sweating, which can lead to dehydration. It’s crucial to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session.
Overheating is another risk, especially for those new to heat therapy or those with certain health conditions.
Heart Conditions and Blood Pressure Issues
Individuals with heart conditions or blood pressure issues should consult their doctor before using a steam room or sauna.
The increased heart rate and changes in blood pressure caused by the heat can be problematic for some.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid steam rooms and saunas, especially during the first trimester. The high heat can be harmful to the developing fetus.
Time Limitations
Limit your time in steam rooms and saunas.
Generally, sessions should last no more than 15-20 minutes.
It’s important to listen to your body and exit the heat if you start feeling dizzy or uncomfortable.
Infrared Saunas: A Modern Alternative
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas are a “newer” type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit a specific wavelength of light to increase your body temperature.
This light is absorbed directly by the body, heating it from within rather than warming the air around you.
Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, usually between 120°F and 140°F.
Health Benefits
Infrared saunas offer many of the same benefits as traditional saunas and steam rooms, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle relaxation, pain relief, and stress reduction.
They are particularly noted for their ability to penetrate deeper into tissues, potentially offering more effective pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Risks and Precautions
The risks associated with infrared saunas are similar to those of traditional saunas and steam rooms, including dehydration and overheating.
However, because of the lower temperatures, they may be a more comfortable option for those who are sensitive to heat.
Conclusion: Steam Room vs Sauna
Steam room vs sauna, does one of them stand out as a clear champion?
No, not necessarily.
Both steam rooms and saunas, including infrared saunas, offer similar health benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to stress reduction.
The choice between either a steam room and a sauna often comes down to personal preference regarding the type of heat (moist vs. dry) and individual health considerations.
It’s important to stay hydrated, limit session times, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.
Ultimately, whether you choose a steam room, a traditional sauna, or an infrared sauna, you can enjoy the relaxation and health benefits they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
FAQ
Which is safer, sauna or steam room?
Both saunas and steam rooms are generally safe when used properly. However, the safety can depend on individual health conditions.
Saunas, with their dry heat, are often better for those who might find the humidity of a steam room uncomfortable or challenging for breathing.
Conversely, steam rooms can be more beneficial for those with respiratory issues due to the moist air. It’s crucial to stay hydrated in both.
Is sauna or steam room better for lungs?
Steam rooms might have a slight edge for respiratory benefits. The warm, moist air in steam rooms can help open airways, loosen phlegm, and alleviate symptoms of conditions like asthma and sinus congestion.
Saunas, while beneficial for overall relaxation and detoxification, don’t provide the same level of humidity that can aid in respiratory relief.
Is a sauna better than a steam room?
Whether a sauna is better than a steam room depends on personal health goals and preferences. Saunas, with their dry heat, are excellent for muscle relaxation, improving circulation, and aiding in skin health through sweat-induced detoxification.
Steam rooms, on the other hand, provide benefits like improved respiratory function and hydration for the skin due to their moist heat. Both have stress-relieving properties.
The best choice varies based on individual needs, such as specific health concerns, tolerance to heat and humidity, and desired outcomes from the heat therapy session.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content of this article is for informational purposes only. We are health and sauna enthusiasts, not medical professionals. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and before making health-related decisions.
Hey cold plunge/sauna junkies!
My name is Adam, I grew up in Ontario, Canada. I have my Bachelors of Business from the Lazaridis school of Business and Economics, and now reside in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. ❄️
Now, I am lucky enough to work on the blog full-time for my readers (that’s you) and exercising (pun intended) my passion for cold plunging, sauna, working out, business and learning. 😃
