Why do I feel light headed after a sauna?

Author: Dr. Casimer Spinka  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

If you've ever felt lightheaded or unsteady after stepping out of a sauna, you're not alone. This common experience can be caused by factors such as dehydration, low blood pressure, or even heat exhaustion.

Is it normal to feel lightheaded after a sauna?

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE: Sauna use can also cause a drop in blood pressure resulting in less oxygen & nutrients delivered to the brain which causes dizziness. HEAT EXHAUSTION: this occurs when the body's core temperature rises above normal levels, and the body is unable to cool down.

Why do I feel lighter after a sauna?

You might be a few pounds lighter after sitting in a sauna, but it's probably because you lost some water weight. There's not much research about whether regular sauna sessions can lead to long-term weight loss.

Why do I feel weak after a sauna?

Saunas can make you feel tired due to the high heat and humidity, which can cause dehydration, lower blood pressure, and increase fatigue. Additionally, the relaxation response induced by saunas can also lead to feelings of drowsiness.

What should you not do after a sauna?

After the end of the sauna session, you should not clean yourself with shower gel or soap, just apply some lotion.

You May Never Use an INFRARED SAUNA Again After Watching This! | Dr. Sean O’Mara

Why do I feel bad after sauna?

Without replenishment, you might experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and, in more severe cases, heat exhaustion (more on this later). Staying hydrated before, during, and after your sauna session is key to avoiding these uncomfortable effects and enjoying a safer, more relaxing experience.

Are saunas actually good for you?

Beyond pleasure and relaxation, emerging evidence suggests that sauna bathing has several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases including ...

Are there negative effects of sauna?

A sauna use may also cause blood pressure to fall, so people with low blood pressure should talk to their doctor to make sure sauna use is safe. People who have recently had a heart attack should also talk to their doctor first.

Why does sauna make me feel weird?

While saunas have many potential health benefits, some people may experience feelings of fatigue or exhaustion after a sauna session. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, changes in blood pressure, and sauna exhaustion. However, there is no evidence to suggest that saunas make you tired.

How long does it take to recover from a sauna?

To get the most out of it, he recommends using a sauna for about 15 to 20 minutes post-exercise and getting your core temperature to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is possible to get overheated and dehydrated if you use a sauna for too long.

Does sauna get rid of toxins?

It involves sitting in a sauna for a period of time, usually between 10-20 minutes, while your body sweats out harmful substances. The high temperature of the sauna causes your body to sweat profusely, which in turn helps to flush out toxins from your skin and organs.

How many calories do you burn in a 40 minute sauna?

Study 1: 400 Calories Burned in a 40-Minute Session

It's important to note that this study had cooldown periods between sessions and used sedentary individuals with higher body mass and lower heat tolerance, who tend to burn more calories during a sauna session.

Why do I look better after sauna?

The heat in saunas enhances blood circulation. This increased blood flow carries essential nutrients to the skin, promoting cell turnover and rejuvenation. As a result, one can experience a healthier and more vibrant skin appearance. Thanks to the increased circulation, more nutrients can penetrate your skin.

What are the symptoms of detoxing from the sauna?

A review of infrared sauna detox therapy found some side effects. Although mild, the most common ones include heat discomfort, dehydration, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and nausea. I suggest starting with 10-15 minute sessions at 100-130 F.

Why does hot steam make me dizzy?

Having a hot or prolonged shower/bath widens your blood vessels, increasing the risk of feeling faint (presyncopal) and increasing heart rate. If you do feel faint in the shower listen to your body, turn the shower off and sit down to avoid injury in case you faint.

Why does my heart feel weird after a sauna?

Saunas can increase your heart rate, which could cause your aortic valve to become blocked. General chest pain (angina pectoris). If you've been having chest pain, stay out of the sauna until your doctor has examined you.

Why am I dizzy after a sauna?

During a sauna session, your body sweats profusely, leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration can result in fatigue, dizziness, and even heat exhaustion, which is why it's imperative to rehydrate adequately.

Why does my head feel weird after a sauna?

Over time, sauna bathing can deplete the body's store of water, causing dehydration and associated symptoms like a dry throat, headaches, and so on.

Is it OK to sauna everyday?

So, always make sure you're well-hydrated before and after your sauna or steam room sesh. You may be at risk if you've recently had a heart attack or any other cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure, adds Dr. Parikh. Overall, it is generally considered safe to use a sauna every day, says Dr.

Why do I pee a lot after the sauna?

Frequent urination after a sauna is a normal physiological response to the heat and fluid shifts your body experiences. While it may be inconvenient, it's a sign that your kidneys are working effectively to maintain balance.

Who should not go in a sauna?

Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis. Sauna bathing is safe, however, for most people with coronary heart disease with stable angina pectoris or old myocardial infarction.

Do saunas really sweat out toxins?

Can I Sweat Out Toxins That Are in My Body? In a word, no. You may have heard that sitting in a sauna or going to a hot yoga class will help your body sweat out dangerous toxins. But your sweat is 99% water.

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