How Often Can You Use a Sauna Blanket?

Sauna blankets are a popular tool for individuals looking to experience the benefits of a sauna without leaving their homes. This special blanket, also known as an infrared sauna blanket, uses far infrared technology to heat the body and promote sweating, leading to a range of health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification and relaxation.

If you’re new to using a sauna blanket or related infrared devices, you may wonder how often you can use it to experience the maximum benefits. The answer, however, is not as simple as a one-size-fits-all approach. So we’ve created the following guide to introduce the factors that can influence how often you should use a sauna blanket, including your personal health and fitness goals, tolerance for heat, skin sensitivity and overall health and medical conditions.

Personal Health and Fitness Goals

Your personal health and fitness goals will influence how often you should use a sauna blanket. If you’re looking to use a sauna blanket for recovery to improve your overall fitness, you may need to use it more frequently than if you’re simply looking to relax and unwind.

So if you’re using a sauna blanket or infrared heating pads for post-workout recovery or to alleviate muscle soreness, you may benefit from using it regularly, up to daily use. Using a sauna blanket post-workout can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and accelerate the recovery process. Used in the evening as part of your bedtime routine may help you sleep better, which in turn will further aid the recovery process.

Relax and Recover with an Infrared Sauna Blanket

Tolerance for Heat

Heat tolerance is another vital factor when using a sauna blanket. Some individuals may be more sensitive to heat than others and may need to use the blanket less frequently or for shorter periods.

If you’re new to using a sauna blanket, it’s a good idea to start slowly and gradually increase the length and intensity of your sessions. Begin with shorter sessions of 15 minutes at a low temperature and gradually increase the temperature and duration over time. Eventually, you should be able to use it for 45-minute sessions three or more times per week.

For individuals more sensitive to heat, using the sauna blanket less frequently or for shorter periods may be beneficial. This can help to prevent discomfort or overheating, which can be dangerous.

Skin Sensitivity

Skin sensitivity is another factor that affects how often you can use your infrared sauna blanket. While these blankets are designed to cause sweating and provide multiple benefits, such as stress relief, muscle recovery and glowing skin, they may irritate sensitive skin. The deep sweat caused by the sauna blanket can cleanse the skin of bacteria and improve its appearance, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself while using a sauna blanket. 

Source: Albina Gavrilovic/Shutterstock.com

One way to protect your skin is to wear light clothing, such as a cotton t-shirt and shorts, while using the blanket. This can help to absorb any sweat and prevent it from irritating your skin. You may want to consider using a towel or cloth between your skin and the blanket to further protect your skin. Lowering the temperature setting and limiting the duration of use are also considerations if you find that your skin is reacting negatively to the time spent in your sauna blanket.

Staying hydrated while using a sauna blanket is important, as sweating can cause you to lose fluids and electrolytes. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your session to keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration.

Get Cozy with a Weighted Blanket

Use with Weighted Blankets

For those looking to enhance their sleep experience, using an infrared sauna blanket before sleeping with a weighted blanket can lead to even better results. Weighted blankets have been shown to provide a calming effect and reduce anxiety, while the infrared sauna blanket can help promote relaxation and improve circulation. Combining these two therapies can lead to deeper and more restful sleep, making it an excellent option for those struggling with insomnia or other sleep-related issues.

It’s essential to note that when using these two blankets, you must monitor your body’s response to the heat and weight — and they should not be used simultaneously but in succession. If you notice the use of either has adverse effects, it may be time to cut down on the frequency of sauna blanket sessions to see if that’s playing a role. 

Overall Health and Medical Conditions

Finally, it’s critical to consider your overall health and any medical conditions you may have when using a sauna blanket. While sauna blankets are generally considered safe for most individuals, certain medical conditions may make their use unsafe or less effective.

If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using a sauna blanket. Your provider can help you determine whether using a sauna blanket is safe for you and provide guidance on how often and for how long you should use it.

If you’re pregnant, it’s imperative to exercise caution when using a sauna blanket. Pregnant women should avoid using a sauna blanket in the first trimester and consult with their healthcare provider before using one at any point during pregnancy.

Using a sauna blanket may exacerbate symptoms for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. It’s crucial to be aware of any potential risks associated with using a sauna blanket and to consult with your healthcare provider before using one if you have any medical conditions.

Final Thoughts on How Often You Can Use an Infrared Sauna Blanket

The frequency with which you should use a sauna blanket will depend on several factors, including your personal health and fitness goals, tolerance for heat, skin sensitivity and overall health and medical conditions. For recovery and fitness goals, using a sauna blanket three to four times per week is generally recommended, while daily use may be beneficial for post-workout recovery.

If you’re new to using a sauna blanket, it’s best to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your sessions. Also, take steps to protect your skin and stay hydrated while using a sauna blanket, and consult with your healthcare provider before using one if you have any medical conditions.

Ultimately, the key to using a sauna blanket safely and effectively is to listen to your body and adjust your usage accordingly. With proper use and caution, a sauna blanket can be a beneficial tool for improving your overall health and well-being.

 

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