Many of the general health effects of the sauna have become better known in recent years. However the positive mental effects of the sauna are often overlooked or written off. This is surprising since rates of anxiety and depression are becoming more common. It is time to look at the sauna as creating healthier mental state in both mood and mental functioning. Is it a coincidence that Finland is the most sauna loving country is currently the happiest country in the world as well as consistently having the best performing schools?

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

High heat has been demonstrated to heighten the expression of BDNF. BDNF increases the rate of new brain cells and helps to support existing brain cells especially when combined with exercise. This neurogenesis is thought to lead to better rates of learning. Added benefits of BDNF are increasing our long term memory and helping brain plasticity (the ability to positively adapt to changes). It has been shown that high rates of BDNF reduce depression and anxiety. It has been demonstrated to fight against the depression caused by childhood events and lower depression rates of cancer patients (which has been shown to help recovery). It is not clear whether this was due to BDNF alone or the beta-endorphins also released during a sauna session. A study by Charles L. Raison, MD and his team demonstrated some incredible results in patients struggling with depression: “In the first study of 16 individuals with major depression, a single hyperthermia treatment reduced their depression scores almost by 50% five days later.”

Dynorphin

While most of us have experienced the euphoria of a runner’s high, most of us attribute it to endorphins. While endorphins play a role in the good feelings we get during exercise, dynorphin (a peptide) release and the body’s reaction is the lesser known cause. Dynorphin from high intensity workouts or very high temperatures (sauna) creates a sense of discomfort leading to sensitizing and up-regulation of opioid receptors that interact with endorphins. This means the more you push your limits whether exercising or in the sauna the better you will feel (within safe limits please). Sauna use has been proven to heighten endorphin levels in the body more than just exercise.