Britain's Sauna Boom Heats Up as People Seek Warmth of Human Connection
From fields to floating pontoons, and in innovative setups like horseboxes, barrels, and beach huts, saunas are springing up across Britain at an unprecedented rate. The British Sauna Society now lists approximately 640 saunas, a significant increase from 540 at the start of the year. A recent report has even predicted that the UK could become the world's largest sauna market by 2033, potentially outpacing traditional leaders like Finland and Germany.
Health Benefits and Cardiovascular Evidence
When it comes to measurable health effects, the strongest evidence supports the cardiovascular benefits of regular sauna use. Professor Setor Kunutsor, the Evelyn Wyrzykowski research chair in cardiology at the University of Manitoba in Canada, describes these benefits as "substantial". He notes that comparing individuals who engage in four to seven sauna sessions per week with those who do so once a week shows risk reductions in cardiovascular outcomes ranging from 40 to 60%.
In a randomised controlled trial, Professor Kunutsor's team demonstrated a systolic blood pressure reduction of 8mmHg after eight weeks of three weekly sauna sessions, which he emphasises is a huge reduction. The mechanism involves placing the body under controlled heat stress, triggering responses similar to moderate exercise, such as increased heart rate and blood flow, leading to improvements in blood vessel, heart, and lung function, along with reductions in blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol levels.
The Role of Cold-Water Plunges and Social Bonds
Evidence for the benefits of cold-water plunges after sauna sessions is less robust, though it is commonly used by athletes for recovery and reducing muscle soreness. However, a new study analysing data from over 1,900 UK sauna users suggests that the advantages may extend beyond physical health. Researchers found that regular sauna use was linked to improved physical and mental wellbeing, with the strongest effects reported by weekly users who felt a deep sense of belonging to a sauna community.
Dr. Martha Newson from the University of Greenwich, who led the research, explains that saunas create a ritualistic environment where shared vulnerability and physical intensity foster unusually strong social bonds. "At its most basic, a sauna is people getting stripped off and sitting in a hot room," she says, highlighting how this setting encourages authentic conversations and emotional support.
Community and Connection in a Digital World
Gabrielle Reason, director of the British Sauna Society, believes the rapid growth of community saunas reflects a broader search for human connection in an increasingly digital and isolated world. "With more of our attention on screens, we're away from people and increasingly indoors," she notes, pointing to reduced physical contact and face-to-face interactions.
At venues like Fire and Ice Wellness in north Bristol, the atmosphere is described as bucolic, with an old seal pool repurposed as an ice bath. Co-founder Jamie Winn describes the experience as an emotional "safety net", where people in bathing suits engage in natural, heartfelt conversations. He recalls one visitor who credited the sauna with saving his life during a difficult divorce, underscoring the therapeutic potential of these spaces.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Despite the benefits, experts caution about physiological risks, particularly when combining saunas with cold-water immersion. Professor Mike Tipton, an extreme environments physiologist at Portsmouth University, warns that sweating in saunas causes fluid loss, while cold water triggers cold-induced diuresis, reducing blood volume. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and injuries, especially with multiple cycles in a session.
To mitigate risks, Professor Tipton advises:
- Starting well-hydrated by drinking water beforehand.
- Engaging in gentle leg movement to prevent blood pooling.
- Standing up slowly and watching for warning signs like dizziness or nausea.
People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should seek medical advice before using saunas or ice baths. For most, moderation is key, with optimal benefits achieved through 3-7 sessions per week, each lasting 15-20 minutes.
Future Outlook and Cultural Shift
As the UK's sauna boom continues, with predictions of further growth, these spaces offer more than just health perks. They provide a respite from technology-saturated lives, fostering warmth, human connection, and a sense of floating on a cloud. Whether driven by wellness trends or a deeper need for community, saunas are becoming a significant part of British culture, blending ancient traditions with modern demands for holistic wellbeing.
