Max G. Levy: Can saunas make you live longer?

Can saunas make you live longer?

Finnish sauna, Roman balneae, Japanese onsen, and Indigenous American sweat lodges are just a few examples of how cultures across the globe have long considered exposure to extreme temperatures therapeutic. But today scientists are only just beginning to unravel how and why this may be the case. So, what exactly is happening in your body when you feel the heat? Max G. Levy investigates. [Directed by Noam Sussman, Ali Kellner, Homework Studio, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

Frequent sauna bathing, long cherished in Finland and found in cultures worldwide, has been linked to better heart health and longevity. A study following over 2,000 Finnish men for 20 years revealed that those who used saunas four to seven times a week had lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol, and reduced overall mortality. Scientists have discovered that regular heat exposure triggers responses in the body similar to moderate exercise, boosting blood flow and supporting muscle recovery. While these findings are promising, researchers caution that more studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks for different populations.

Sauna Culture Unlocks Surprising Pathways To Heart Health

Decades of research in Finland revealed that frequent sauna bathing was linked to improved heart health and lower mortality rates among men. Cultures worldwide, from Roman bathhouses to Japanese onsen, have long embraced the healing power of heat. Modern science now shows that regular exposure to high temperatures can trigger exercise-like effects, boost recovery, and regulate inflammation. While promising, these findings raise new questions about how heat interacts with our biology and which groups stand to benefit most.