Feeling fatigued after using an infrared sauna is a common experience for many individuals. This sensation often leads to questions regarding the effects of infrared heat therapy on the body. When you understand the mechanics behind this fatigue, you can better appreciate the benefits and decide how to incorporate sauna sessions into your routine. Unveiling the reasons behind this post-sauna tiredness can help you optimize your usage and enhance the overall experience.
Infrared saunas operate by emitting infrared light that penetrates the skin and heats the body from the inside. This method is unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you. The deep, penetrating heat causes a host of physiological responses that may contribute to the feeling of tiredness afterwards. We’re delving into the specifics of these responses to gauge why your body might feel drained post-session.
The Body’s Energy Expenditure
One of the main reasons people experience fatigue after using an infrared sauna is due to the high level of energy expenditure. The body works intensely to maintain a stable core temperature despite being exposed to high heat. Similar to moderate exercise, this increases cardiovascular activity, heart rate, and metabolism. As you sweat more, your heart pumps harder to circulate blood and cool the body down, which surprisingly also burns calories and expends energy.
With all these processes engaging simultaneously, it’s not uncommon for post-session to feel like the aftermath of a workout. Your body has effectively undergone a mild cardio session without you moving a muscle. This expenditure of energy contributes significantly to feelings of fatigue, but it’s also an indication that the sauna has stimulated a detoxifying and metabolism-boosting effect.
Detoxification and Dehydration
Infrared saunas promote a deep sweating mechanism, which is an excellent means for detoxifying the body of impurities and toxins accumulated in daily life. As the sweat excretes toxins, the feeling of fatigue might arise as the body strives to clean out and balance itself. Detoxification, while beneficial, can temporarily leave an individual feeling exhausted due to the intense bodily processes involved in filtering and removing these substances.
Dehydration can also play a part in post-sauna fatigue. Even if you’re not spending hours inside the sauna, mild dehydration can result from intense sweating. Muscles may feel more fatigued, signalling that they need rest and replenishment of fluids. Drinking plenty of water before and after your sauna session can minimize dehydration and may alleviate some of that heavy tiredness you feel.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Interestingly, the profound relaxation that an infrared sauna provides can paradoxically result in a sensation of tiredness. The soothing heat encourages the body to release endorphins and helps decrease cortisol levels, which reduces stress. While this is ultimately beneficial for overall well-being, the state of deep relaxation can make it feel like your body is winding down, prompting a desire for rest and sleep.
Such relaxation can mimic the feeling of the minutes following a deep meditative session or yoga, where you often feel the urge to just let go and rest. Intriguingly, this post-sauna relaxation-induced fatigue highlights the body’s shift from a state of tension to one of peace, reinforcing the rejuvenating effect of regular sauna use.
In Conclusion
Infrared sauna sessions can prompt tiredness owing to the body’s significant energy usage, detoxification processes, dehydration, and relaxation state. Understanding these mechanisms can help you adapt your sauna routine, ensuring you reap the maximum benefits without unexpected fatigue.
To fully experience the rejuvenative benefits of infrared saunas, get a quote from our offerings at DP Oceania. Our range of saunas is designed to enhance your lifestyle, promoting health and relaxation.