- Take a quick, post-workout shower prior to using the sauna.
- Enter and exit quickly. Saunas are airtight, to keep the heat inside. Opening the door releases heat, and should be done expeditiously.
- Please wear a swimsuit or shorts in the sauna.
- Make sure to bring a towel you can sit on, and take it with you when you leave.
- Keep in mind that you can adjust the temperature to your personal liking by changing your seat level…move down to cool off.
- Please do not leave litter of any kind behind, such as band aids or bobby pins.
Important sauna safety measures you should follow and be aware of:
- Saunas should only be used by people over 18 years of age.
- Despite their benefits, saunas may not be appropriate for everyone. Check with your doctor before using a sauna, especially if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm, or unstable angina. If you have any of these health conditions, do not use the sauna.
- Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, before using a sauna.
- Don’t use a sauna if you take medications which interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, or medications which make you drowsy.
- Don’t use a sauna if you’re ill.
- Drink at least one full glass of water before and after using a sauna, to avoid dehydration.
- Don’t drink alcohol before, during, or after sauna use.
- Don’t use recreational drugs before, during, or after sauna use.
- Don’t eat a large meal prior to using a sauna.
- An article published in the American Journal of Public Health recommends that healthy people not sit in a sauna for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. If you’re new to the sauna experience, listen to your body and start slowly (for no more than 5 to 10 minutes per session). You can build up your tolerance for the heat over multiple visits.
- Never let yourself fall asleep in a sauna.
- Exit the sauna if you feel dizzy or ill.
- It is best to let your body temperature return to normal gradually after sauna use to avoid dizziness.
The National Health Service (NHS) warns that becoming overheated in a sauna can be dangerous, especially to the health of the mom and the baby during pregnancy. Overheating in a sauna or steam room may also be more likely while you’re pregnant.
How to use a traditional Finnish sauna
According to the North American Sauna Society, you should give yourself plenty of time to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna. It is also recommended that you start gradually and take all precautions to avoid overheating which can be dangerous to your health.
These are the steps they recommend you take and we urge you to follow them:
- Before you enter the sauna, drink one to two glasses of water and rinse off in a shower
- Warm yourself in a dry sauna for up to 10 minutes without adding humidity.
- Exit and rinse off in a second quick shower.
- Allow your body to continue to cool down by drinking something refreshing, such as water. Do not drink alcohol.
- Re-enter the sauna for another 10 minutes or so. For this second visit, you can add steam by ladling a very small amount (1/4 cup) water onto the sauna rocks.
- Exit and wash your body thoroughly; cool down again with a glass of water.
- Re-enter the sauna for your final visit of approximately 10 minutes.
- Cool down in a cool-to-cold indoor shower.
- Lie down and relax for as long as you need to in order to regain normal body temperature.
- Drink at least one full glass of water, accompanied by a light snack.
- Let your body completely cool down and stop perspiring,
Stop if you don’t feel well
If at any point you feel unwell, overheated, dizzy, or have a rapid heart rate that does not slow when exiting the sauna, discontinue use. If any symptoms continue, seek medical help promptly.
Notes for the Wren House Sauna
- We will get the sauna warmed for you—no adjustments should be necessary
- Please use only a small amount of water on the rocks—1/4 cup at a time
- Turn off the light switch outside the door when not in use
- There will usually be some clean towels inside the sauna
- Enjoy and be safe—please note the cautions above!
