Things you should not do in a sauna

A sauna is a pretty safe place providing that you apply common sense and do not do anything silly. It is very unusual for anyone to suffer an injury in a sauna or as a result of taking a sauna, however accidents can happen. The best way to be safe in a sauna is to apply common sense and not to do anything stupid.

Below you will see a list of things that you should be weary of, or things that you should not do or indulge in when taking a sauna.

• If you have any kind of health problem that requires you to take medication, if you have a heart condition, or if you or your doctor have any concerns for your health, seek medical confirmation that it is safe for you to take a sauna. Always check that anyone taking a sauna with you is healthy.


• Do not allow babies or young children in a sauna during use. The dehydrating effects of a sauna can be hazardous to young children.


• Never take a sauna when you are tired or feeling sleepy. It is dangerous to fall asleep in a sauna. Over a prolonged period of time the hot dry air will dehydrate you and this can be very dangerous. If your sauna heater has a timer always use it, even if you only intend to take a quick sauna.


• Do not consume large quantities of alcohol before, during or immediately after taking a sauna. Alcohol will dehydrate your body and so will taking a sauna. This is not a healthy combination. Drinking alcohol after taking a sauna (when you feel thirsty) is not a good idea. It will also lead to you getting intoxicated very quickly.


• Never touch a sauna heater. Heaters have hot plates and hot rocks and they can burn the skin severely. Always treat a sauna heater with respect. If you have an infrared heater ensure that your skin is never closer to the lamp than the manufacturers recommendations.


• If you splash water on the sauna heater’s hot rocks to generate a steam shower be aware that some of the water may spill on the floor and this may produce a slip hazard.


• If you intend to have along sauna session, punctuate it with lots of short breaks where you leave the sauna. During each break allow your body to cool off for a few minutes and re-hydrate yourself with plenty of fluids.


• It can be a good idea to take a mobile phone or cordless phone into a sauna with you. By doing this you will not miss any calls and you will be able to make a call in the event of an accident.


• Do not take exercise in a sauna, e.g. do not put a rowing machine, exercise bike or weight set in a sauna room. You should be relaxed and inactive if you want to safely benefit from taking a sauna.


• Do not leave a sauna switched on and unattended for any period of time. Always make sure that you know where young children are when a sauna is in operation.