People have been using saunas for centuries. These warm rooms provide numerous health benefits and endorphin boosts, but what happens if you don’t have time to visit a sauna or want a more private option?… Enter infrared sauna blankets! These blankets provide the perfect solution for people wanting to enjoy the benefits of a sauna in the convenience of their homes
What Are Infrared Sauna Blankets?
While these portable devices look like sleeping bags, infrared sauna blankets give you the perks of a sauna while relaxing on your couch or bed.
The blanket is heated using infrared light technology. The unit’s temperature does not need to be as intense as a sauna’s to offer the same incredible benefits – most infrared sauna blankets heat to between 120° and 140°F. Because they provide a lower heat setting, users can stay inside the blanket for longer, usually up to one hour.
Typically, sweating begins after about 15 minutes of exposure. Many people find that using one of these at-home blankets offers a more tolerable, tranquil experience than a sauna.
What Are the Benefits of Using Infrared Sauna Blankets?
These blankets provide many of the same health benefits as traditional saunas. Here are seven advantages that blanket users usually enjoy:
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
Infrared treatments may improve cardiac function in many people. Using your at-home sauna blanket several times weekly might enhance your cardiovascular health, as your heart rate increases when using the device.
- Extracts Toxins From the Body
Infrared saunas cause the body to sweat, extracting deeply-trapped toxins. The sweat released during each session drives out toxins like dead skin, dirt, bacteria, and oils.
- Releases Endorphins
The blanket’s heat also helps to release endorphins. These chemical messengers increase feelings of happiness and help reduce pain levels.
- Aids in Muscle Recovery
Regularly using an infrared sauna blanket after workouts can help with muscle recovery, reducing soreness, tightness, cramps, and inflammation. Muscle recovery is enhanced by increasing blood circulation, carrying oxygen-rich blood to the worn-down muscles.
- Improves Circulation
As the user’s heart rate and temperature increase, their blood vessels expand, increasing circulation similar to how moderate exercise improves circulation. The increased circulation carries nutrients to all body tissues, preparing them for optimal performance.
- Provides Stress Relief
One of the most incredible benefits of sauna blanket usage is stress relief. The infrared heat helps your body regulate cortisol, the hormone released when you’re stressed, anxious, or panicking. As cortisol levels decrease, serotonin levels increase. This process improves your overall stress levels and may even help promote more relaxing sleep.
- Creates the Perfect Environment for Meditation and Mindful Breathing
Many users take advantage of the extra time their at-home sauna blanket provides for meditation and mindful breathing. Both activities offer countless physical and mental health benefits.
“I never believed in meditation, but once I started, it was eye-opening because it was so incredibly powerful and helped me remain balanced and grounded… these things only work if you commit and do them with feeling and passion.” – Bill Murphy.
What Are the Steps for Using an Infrared Sauna Blanket?
Using an at-home infrared sauna blanket is straightforward. Here are the recommended steps:
- Come to the session wearing moisture-wicking clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and socks. Bring a bottle of water and place it close by.
- Remove the blanket from its storage bag and place it on your couch or bed.
- Plug in your device and preheat the blanket (if the manufacturer recommends it).
- Set your desired session time. Aim for a lower temperature and less time if you’ve never used an infrared sauna blanket before. Slowly increase your exposure time over several sessions from 15 minutes to around one hour.
- Get into the blanket, kick back, and relax!
- After the time is up, let the blanket cool off, clean it according to the directions, and place it back into its storage bag.
- Stay hydrated for the rest of the day, and take a cool shower to close your pores and wash off extracted toxins. Follow the session with rest or sleep, if possible.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks to Using an At-Home Sauna Blanket?
Using this device is safe for most of the population. However, if you have a medical condition like a heart problem, high-risk pregnancy, or hypertension, check with your doctor before use.
People who suffer from heat-triggered conditions like dizziness or migraines may want to avoid using infrared sauna blankets. There is also a small risk of dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of liquids. Additionally, users should avoid alcohol during all sessions.
Conclusion
Infrared sauna blankets provide countless health benefits, meditation and breathing opportunities, and more. Using one of these devices can help prepare your mind and body for challenges that may lie ahead.
If you’d like even more help preparing for and overcoming life’s storms and adversities, check out Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity by Bill Murphy. This uplifting book shows readers how to handle and conquer life’s hurdles, preparing them to thrive in any situation.