The Scandinavian practice of having a sauna is hotting up in Britain
Writer Jennifer Wallis finds out why...
At Vitality, we are always on hand to suggest ways of getting out and about and keeping active. But what about when it comes to taking some well-earned rest and relaxation? Because we all need time to relax and reset our nervous systems, right?
A practice that has been steadily building steam (quite literally) is one that has been a big part of Finnish culture for thousands of years and one whose benefits are now well-known is the sauna.
The British Sauna Society found that the number of Finnish-style saunas in the UK doubled from 45 in 2023 to more than 100 in 2024, with that number being expected to double again, to more than 200 by the end of 2025.
So, let’s explore the reason why saunas are hotting up and the science behind why they are so good for us.
For those unfamiliar – or those of you who have been hiding under a hot rock – a sauna is a small, typically wooden room that uses heat or steam mainly for relaxation purposes.
The room is heated to between 70° to 100° Celsius. Sitting in a sauna causes a person’s heart rate to increase and blood vessels to widen, which in turn increases circulation in a way similar to moderate exercise.
Saunas have an abundance of benefits that are well documented and five of which are backed by science.
Robin Bartlett, co-founder of Kent-based Sea Scrub Sauna says: “Regular use can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, relieve chronic pain, promote relaxation, relieve stress, strengthen the immune system, improve respiratory tract function. It’s even good for your skin.”
But Bartlett says that perhaps one of the biggest, albeit softer, benefits is the social side. “It’s a healthy place for people to meet each other [in a social setting], support each other and strengthen relationships – it’s where an experience can be shared and conversations flow. Because you’re moving between high heat and cold, and in swimwear, it creates a vulnerability and trust that opens people up and breaks down social barriers.”
Bartlett points out that we live in a society where we work hard, often to the point of burnout and we are all faced with a lot of stressors in our lives, so heading out for a sauna is a simple and accessible way to help manage those stressors.
“Another factor is the movement away from alcohol socially,” he says. “It’s often described as being a sober alternative to the pub, where you can socialise with friends and meet new people.”
Stress-less
Vitality’s Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Yetunde Bankole, says that in relation to stress relief “you can’t do much in a sauna, so you’re forced to take a break.
“This can be a useful way of managing stress and may impact our cortisol levels. Stress can also often manifest in sore muscles, poor sleep and overwhelming thoughts. Time out in a sauna can be a helpful technique for managing this.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Virgin Active – a Vitality partner, which offers saunas across a host of its gyms – points to a recent study from the University of Uppsala in Northern Sweden, which showed that “people who regularly used the sauna were happier, slept better and had more energy. It found that using the sauna one to four times a month was optimal for seeing results”.
Some of the wider proven physical and mental health benefits, the team at Virgin Active points to, include regular sauna use “helping you to live longer, reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, improving cholesterol levels, as well as improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.” This is owing to the fact that saunas cause blood vessels to widen, increasing circulation.
“Saunas have also been shown to have a positive effect on those with rheumatic diseases, like fibromyalgia”
Yetunde Bankole - Vitality’s Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Keep your cool
“It’s important to use the sauna safely, ensuring we don’t overheat or suffer a heat related illness,” Sea Scrub’s Bartlett states. “The best way [to use a sauna] is to cycle between the hot and cold at least three to four times for about an hour, spending a similar amount of time in each.
“We each have different bodies and energy levels, so just listen to your body, and don’t stay too long in either the heat or the cold. It’s not advised to eat a heavy meal, or drink alcohol before using a sauna.”
Sauna bathing is suitable for most people and everyone with a Virgin Active membership, including Vitality members, can make the most of its benefits. People with heart conditions, low blood pressure and those who are pregnant should speak to a medical professional for advice on using the sauna.
Sea Scrub’s sauna locations are all outdoors – one in rural Kent and two along the Kent coast. “It gives you access to the outdoors, the sea, the air all through the year. The worse the weather, the better the sauna experience,” Bartlett muses. “Where else can you enjoy standing outside in a winter storm, or swimming in an icy sea without lots of layers?”
