Sweating in a sauna at least twice a week could slash the risk of potentially deadly infections like pneumonia, research shows. Men who enjoyed sauna sessions on a regular basis were almost 30 per cent less likely to develop the life-threatening illness.

And four times a week or more cut the risk even further, by almost 40 per cent.

Saunas also reduced the chances of falling ill with asthma and other chest complaints.

The findings, published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, are the latest in a series of studies showing saunas can bolster the health of both sexes.

Another recent study found they could lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. And last year scientists found regular hot sessions in a sauna bath could even lower the chances of dementia.

Saunas have been used for thousands of years in Finland as a form of pleasure and relaxation.

Anecdotal evidence suggests they ease sore joints, headaches and clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

With their increasing popularity around the world, scientists have started to investigate the evidence for claimed health benefits.

Researchers from Bristol University and the University of Eastern Finland studied a population of 1,935 men aged from 42 to 61 and tracked their health over a quarter of a century.