Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend health span.

• Sauna use, also known as sauna bathing, involves short-term exposure to high temperatures, resulting in mild hyperthermia and triggering various physiological responses.

• Repeated sauna use optimises the body's stress responses and acclimates it to heat, potentially extending the health span.

• Observational studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship between sauna use and reduced morbidity and mortality, particularly in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Sauna use has been associated with benefits such as improved cardiovascular function, reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and lower risk of psychotic disorders.

• Sauna practices vary in heat source, humidity, duration, and temperature.

• The physiological response to heat stress includes increased core body temperature, blood redistribution, increased sweating, and cardiovascular changes.

• Sauna use may induce hormesis, a protective response to mild stressors, similar to the effects of exercise.

• Sauna use has been proposed as an alternative to aerobic exercise for individuals with physical limitations or chronic diseases.

• Sauna use activates molecular mechanisms that protect against protein damage and promote cellular repair processes.

• Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are increased during sauna use, preventing protein disorder and muscle atrophy.

• Sauna use activates nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes.

• Sauna use increases interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory factors.

• Sauna bathing promotes cardiovascular health by improving heart rate, blood pressure, and endothelial function.

• Regular sauna use reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and related mortality.

• Sauna use benefits congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

• Sauna use is associated with lower risk of hypertension and improved arterial compliance.

• Sauna therapy improves endothelial function and cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure.

• Sauna use increases heart rate variability and may be beneficial for treating cardiac arrhythmias.

• Sauna use reduces inflammation and levels of C-reactive protein.

• Sauna use promotes neurogenesis and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Sauna use has antidepressant effects and reduces symptoms of depression.

• Sauna use increases the production of beta-endorphins and promotes transient growth hormone release.

• Sauna use improves immune function and reduces the risk of respiratory infections.

• Sauna use has various health benefits, including positive effects on the immune system and heat shock proteins.

• Regular sauna use can improve physical fitness, including endurance, cardiovascular function, and thermoregulation.

• Sauna bathing may help maintain muscle mass and promote muscle recovery by reducing protein degradation and increasing heat shock protein expression.

• Heat exposure from saunas can temporarily affect male fertility, but the effects are reversible.

• Pregnant women can safely use saunas within certain temperature and duration limits, with no increased risk of birth defects.

• Sauna use in children and individuals with certain medical conditions should be approached with caution.

• Sauna bathing is generally safe for healthy individuals and can be beneficial for those with injuries or disabilities.

• Some contraindications for sauna use include alcohol use, hypotension, recent heart conditions, and reduced sweat function.

• Sauna use should be avoided by individuals with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks, acute illness accompanied by fever, or inflammatory skin conditions.

• Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are important during sauna sessions to prevent dehydration and electrolyte deficits.

• Other heat stress modalities, such as hot-water baths, may have positive effects on cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

• Sauna bathing is associated with various health benefits, including cardiovascular and cognitive health, physical fitness, and muscle maintenance.

• Sauna use elicits hormetic responses that protect the body from damage and may help extend healthspan.

• Sauna bathing has been shown to improve biomarkers of cardiac health and increase cerebral blood flow.

• Hot water baths have been found to have a moderate but significant effect on improving depressive symptoms.

• Sauna use should be approached with caution and under appropriate medical supervision for special populations.

• Sauna bathing is generally considered safe for healthy adults.

• Sauna bathing has numerous health benefits, including pain relief, improved cardiovascular function, and reduced risk of respiratory diseases, hypertension, and neurocognitive disease.

• Frequent sauna baths are strongly associated with a lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

• Sauna bathing is commonly used for pleasure, relaxation, and wellness.

• It can help treat musculoskeletal diseases and chronic headaches.

• Sauna bathing has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and hypertension.

• It is also associated with a lower risk of neurocognitive disease.

• Regular sauna use is linked to a reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular events and overall mortality.

• Sauna bathing is a form of passive heat therapy that provides various health benefits.

• Sauna bathing is a popular practice for its positive effects on well-being and relaxation.

While further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind these health benefits and identify optimal sauna protocols for different populations, there is growing recognition that sauna therapy may complement traditional medical treatments for certain conditions. The integration of saunas into wellness centres, gyms, and healthcare settings may become more common as awareness about their potential advantages continues to grow.