CohortHumann = 1,9352017
Sauna bathing reduces the risk of respiratory diseases: a long-term prospective cohort study.
Plain-language summary
This study set out to see if regular sauna use might lower the risk of respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. It followed 1,935 middle-aged white men for over 25 years, tracking how often they used saunas and whether they were later hospitalized for respiratory issues. The researchers found that men who took saunas 2-3 times a week had a 27% lower risk of respiratory diseases, and those who went 4 or more times a week had a 41% lower risk, compared to men who went once a week or less. The link was strongest for pneumonia, where frequent sauna use was tied to a 28-37% lower risk.
Key findings
- Men who took saunas 2-3 times weekly had a 27% lower risk of respiratory diseases.
- Men who took saunas 4+ times weekly had a 41% lower risk of respiratory diseases.
- The reduced risk was most pronounced for pneumonia (28-37% lower with frequent sauna use).
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Cohort studies track groups over time to spot links between habits and health outcomes, but they cannot prove cause and effect because other unmeasured factors might explain the association.
- Population
- Middle-aged white men in Finland (where sauna use is common).
- Funding
- Not reported
- Takeaway
- This study found that men who took saunas 2-3 times a week had a lower risk of respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia. If you enjoy saunas, regular use may be worth adding to your routine for potential lung health benefits.