Research shows that regular Finnish sauna bathing (e.g., 2–7 times per week) is associated — often statistically — with remarkable health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, enhanced circulation, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of metabolic and cognitive disorders. Regular sauna use has also been linked to better sleep, increased energy, and overall enhanced wellbeing.



A large body of research has investigated these effects, consistently demonstrating that sauna bathing can act as a powerful, natural wellness practice with benefits comparable to moderate physical exercise. Below are some of the leading studies and researchers in the field of sauna research, providing robust evidence for how consistent sauna use can support long-term health, vitality, and quality of life.

Professor Jari A. Laukkanen

Prof. Laukkanen is a Finnish cardiologist and researcher at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and the University of Jyväskylä. He and his research team have long studied the effects of sauna bathing on cardiovascular health.

Key Findings:

In a study of over 2,300 Finnish men, sauna bathing 4–7 times per week was associated with a significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death and death from cardiovascular diseases. (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015)

A systematic review noted that sauna bathing can improve vascular flexibility, reduce blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and positively affect the autonomic nervous system. (PubMed, 2018)

Doctor Tanjaniina Laukkanen

Setor Kunutsor works internationally (e.g., University of Bristol, UK) and conducts extensive meta- and review research on sauna’s impact on health and wellbeing. (ScienceDirect, 2023)

Key Findings:

A 2023 review concluded that Finnish-style sauna bathing can act as “passive heat therapy” and that regular sauna use may complement physical activity benefits.

The findings emphasize that sauna bathing can induce effects similar to exercise (e.g., increased heart rate, improved circulation), making it an interesting wellness tool even for less physically active individuals. (Sauna International, 2024)

Researcher Earric Lee

Earric Lee is a doctoral researcher who has studied the combination of sauna bathing and exercise, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes. (FoundMyFitness)

Key Findings:

Research showed that combining sauna bathing with physical exercise can provide greater health benefits than exercise alone. (ScienceDaily, 2018)

Tanjaniina Laukkanen & Setor K. Kunutsor

This research group has published extensive reviews on the multiple health outcomes of sauna use.

Example Publication: J. A. Laukkanen, T. Laukkanen & S. K. Kunutsor, Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2018. (PubMed)

Professor Hans Hägglund

Prof. Hägglund is a Swedish medical doctor and researcher at Uppsala University, specialising in sauna and health research. Uppsala University, 2024

Key Findings:

A Swedish population study led by Hägglund found that sauna users reported higher levels of happiness, energy, and better sleep compared with non-sauna users. Uppsala University, 2024

Sauna bathing can be comparable to a workout in its effects on blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. Uppsala University, 2024

Professor Åsa Engström

Prof. Åsa Engström works at the Luleå University of Technology (Sweden) as a Professor in Nursing and has led research on the health effects of sauna bathing among residents of northern Sweden. LTU, 2024

Key Findings:

A study involving 1,180 participants (aged 25‑74) in northern Sweden found that regular sauna bathing was associated with better general health, increased energy, improved sleep, and lower incidence of high blood pressure. LTU, 2024



Sauna bathing acts as passive heat therapy, with physiological effects similar to moderate exercise, particularly on vascular health and wellbeing. LTU, 2024