Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular in the UK wellness world, offering a more comfortable and accessible alternative to traditional steam or dry saunas. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared saunas use light waves to gently warm your body from the inside out. This creates a deep, soothing heat with a wide range of health benefits.
But one question we hear often at Simply Oxygen UK is: “Is 20 minutes in an infrared sauna enough?” Let’s break down the science, safety, and best practices.
Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate the skin and raise your core body temperature. Because they heat your body directly (rather than just the air), the environment feels more comfortable—typically 45–60°C compared to the 80–100°C of a traditional sauna.
This means that even shorter sessions can trigger the same benefits, including:
Detoxification through sweating
Improved circulation
Muscle relaxation and pain relief
Reduced stress and better sleep
Skin health support
Is 20 Minutes Enough?
For most people, 20 minutes is the perfect session length—long enough to raise your core temperature, induce sweating, and promote relaxation, but not so long that it risks dehydration or overheating.
Beginners: 15–20 minutes is ideal as your body adjusts.
Regular users: 20–30 minutes may be beneficial once you’re comfortable.
Athletes or recovery-focused users: Sometimes extend sessions to 40–45 minutes, but only with good hydration and tolerance.
The key is to focus on consistency over duration. Three or four 20-minute sessions per week will likely provide more lasting benefits than one marathon sweat session.
Yes—20 minutes in an infrared sauna is enough to experience the key health and wellness benefits. It’s a safe, effective, and time-efficient way to reduce stress, support recovery, and improve overall wellbeing. As your tolerance builds, you may choose longer sessions, but most people find that 20 minutes strikes the perfect balance.
At Simply Oxygen UK, we guide clients in making the most of their infrared sauna sessions, ensuring they’re both safe and effective. Whether you’re new to infrared therapy or a seasoned sauna user, even 20 minutes can leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and re-energised.
