Man sitting in a wooden sauna

Lung Function

Regular sauna use can have a positive impact on lung function, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or those looking to support overall respiratory health. The warm, humid air in saunas can help open airways, loosen mucus, and improve breathing, making it easier for the lungs to function more efficiently. A Finnish study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine (2018) found that regular sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Participants who used a sauna 4 to 7 times per week had significantly better lung function and a lower risk of respiratory related illnesses compared to those who used a sauna once a week or less. Sauna sessions can improve ventilation and tidal volume (the amount of air moving in and out of your lungs), likely due to the combination of heat exposure and relaxation, which helps reduce tension in the chest muscles and improve airflow. For many people, regular sauna use provides noticeable relief from asthma, bronchitis, congestion, shortness of breath, and seasonal allergies, making breathing easier and improving the quality of their lives.