Hi Rhonda, I am using a infrared blanket. What are the advantages of infrared sauna vs finish sauna?

In comparing infrared saunas to traditional Finnish saunas, Rhonda Patrick notes that infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature, around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while Finnish saunas are typically around 174 to 179 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve the same benefit from an infrared sauna as from a Finnish sauna, you may need to stay in for a longer period 1.

The main benefits of sauna use, according to Rhonda Patrick, are related to heat stress, which stimulates physiological responses, such as sweating — helpful for excreting toxins like BPA, heavy metals, and other contaminants 2. Sauna use also promotes cardiovascular health and improvements in blood pressure, and Rhonda mentions that the protective effects on lungs from Finnish sauna use could be due to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation associated with hyperthermia 3.

It is important to keep in mind that while infrared saunas can still offer benefits, like improved cardiovascular health and sweating out heavy metals, the mechanism of heat delivery differs. Infrared saunas heat your body through thermal radiation, whereas Finnish saunas heat the ambient air to raise the body's temperature 2.

Moreover, there has been evidence showing that frequent traditional sauna use can improve lung function, decrease the incidence of common colds and lead to modulation of the immune system, potentially due to increased production of heat shock proteins 4.

For mood improvement, sauna use can relieve stress and anxiety, factors that Rhonda Patrick personally noticed, and suggests that endorphin release from sauna use contributes to feeling better and relaxation which may indirectly have implications for longevity 5.

Finally, it's highlighted that cardiovascular, brain health benefits, and all-cause mortality are connected to the frequency and duration of sauna use. The optimal regime for maximum benefits mentioned was using the sauna at least four times per week, with a session length of at least 20 minutes at a temperature around 174 degrees Fahrenheit, based on Finnish studies 6. In cases of infrared saunas, Rhonda Patrick suggests that one may need to adjust the session length, mentioning that she personally needs to stay in an infrared sauna for about 60 minutes to start seeing elevated heart rates comparable to what is achieved in a shorter time in traditional hot saunas 7.