A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland has revealed that regular sauna sessions can have positive effects on our health through a variety of ways. One that stood out for us was the surprising health benefits of saunas against both Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease.

Research was carried out on men between the ages of 40-60 and studies found that those who have sauna sessions 4-7 times per week were 66% less likely to receive a diagnosis in the future.

What is Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Dementia is a brain disorder that prompts loss of brain function. There are many types of terrible diseases that cause Dementia and the most common disease is Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is caused by abnormal protein that surrounds the brain cells and damages the internal structure of the brain itself. Over time the signals between the brain cells are lost and the cells begin to expire resulting in following:

• Memory loss
• Changes in behaviour
• Finding the right words,
• Struggling to make decisions
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and 225,000 will develop dementia this year.

So how can a sauna help prevent such diseases from developing?

Relaxing on the warm, wooden benches of a sauna can lower inflammation, resulting in the release of a collection of the "feel good" emotions also known as endorphins. Endorphins are the euphoric emotions that we get when we laugh, after we’ve exercised and when we have a real sense of well-being.

Saunas can release a level of the stress hormone, also known as Norepinephrine, which can be very beneficial to our brains. This will help your brain function at a quicker pace plus repair damage to nerve cells in the brain.

As well as the brain, saunas are good for the heart too!

Using a sauna more than 4 times a week may also reduce the chance of developing heart disease in the future. It will also reduce blood pressure which will, in time, reduce the risk of fatal heart problems.

So, when is the best time to use a sauna?

We suggest after an intense gym session, as the heat can also assist recovery and soothe your muscles too. 

After a session in the gym at SenSpa, nothing beats opening the door to the heat of a sauna. Take just 20 minutes to relax your sore muscles, all the while repairing your brain cells and reducing your chance of getting heart disease – who knew!

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To find out how to become a SenSpa member and maintain a healthy lifestyle, contact the fitness team directly at fitness@senspa.co.uk or download our SenSpa membership brochure.

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