Who Should Not Use an Infrared Sauna? Safety Guide

Who should not use an infrared sauna? An infrared sauna is gentle compared with a traditional Finnish sauna, but it still raises your core temperature and puts a load on your heart and circulation, so it is not right for everyone. Some people should avoid it entirely, and others should only use one after getting the go-ahead from their doctor. This guide runs through the groups who need to take care, and why, so you can enjoy the benefits safely.

The short answer

Most healthy adults can use an infrared sauna without any problem. You should not use one, or should speak to your GP first, if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or unstable blood pressure, take certain medications, have a fever or infection, or have had alcohol or recreational drugs. If you are ever unsure, the safe move is a quick conversation with your doctor before your first session, not after.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the clearest reason to stay out of an infrared sauna. Raising your core body temperature in early pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, has been linked to a higher risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby. The standard advice is to avoid saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms while pregnant. Some obstetricians may permit very short, gentle sessions later in pregnancy, but only with explicit approval. The NHS offers general guidance on things to avoid in pregnancy that is worth reading.

Heart conditions and blood pressure

Heat makes your heart beat faster and your blood vessels widen, much like light exercise. For a healthy heart that is fine, and may even be beneficial. But anyone with unstable cardiovascular disease, a recent heart attack, unstable angina or severe aortic stenosis should not use an infrared sauna without medical clearance. People with well-controlled, stable heart conditions can sometimes use one safely under a doctor’s guidance. The same caution applies to blood pressure: if yours runs very low, the vessel-widening effect of the heat can leave you dizzy or faint, so ease in slowly and listen to your body.

Medications that do not mix with heat

Some medicines change how your body handles heat, and heat can change how your body handles some medicines. The most important warning concerns transdermal patches, such as those delivering fentanyl, nicotine, hormones or lidocaine. Heat can speed up absorption significantly, which risks a dangerous overdose, so patches should be removed before a session and only reapplied on medical advice. Diuretics can worsen dehydration, while beta-blockers, sedatives and some antihistamines affect your heart rate, blood pressure or your ability to sweat and regulate temperature. If you take regular medication, check with your GP or pharmacist before using an infrared sauna.

Recent illness, fever or infection

If you have a fever, your body is already working to manage its temperature, and a sauna makes that harder. Skip your session if you are unwell with any infection until you have fully recovered. The same goes for the days after surgery, or if you have an open wound or a skin condition that heat could irritate.

Alcohol and recreational drugs

Never use an infrared sauna after drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs. Both interfere with your sense of heat and thirst, raise the risk of dehydration and abnormal heart rhythms, and blunt the warning signs your body would normally give you. Alcohol and heat together are a genuinely dangerous combination.

Children, older adults and other groups

Young children regulate their temperature less efficiently than adults and should not use an infrared sauna unless a paediatrician advises it. Older adults and anyone with a condition affecting temperature regulation, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes-related nerve damage, should take extra care and keep sessions short. People with bleeding disorders or haemophilia, and anyone prone to fainting, should also seek advice first.

Pacemakers and metal implants

If you have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, check with your cardiologist before using an infrared sauna. The concern is twofold: the heat and cardiovascular load, and the low levels of electromagnetic field the heaters produce. Many manufacturers advise caution, so get device-specific advice rather than assuming it is fine. Metal implants such as joint replacements, plates or pins are generally not a barrier, because they do not heat dangerously in an infrared sauna, but if an area feels unusually hot or uncomfortable, end the session. If you have recently had any implant fitted, wait until you have fully healed and your surgeon is happy.

How to use an infrared sauna safely

If you are healthy and cleared to use one, a few habits keep it safe. Hydrate well before and after. Start with shorter sessions of 10 to 15 minutes at a lower temperature and build up. Never use one alone if you feel unwell, and get out immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous or your heart is racing. Avoid using it straight after a heavy meal or a hard workout without rehydrating first. Used sensibly, an infrared sauna is a relaxing part of a home wellness routine. You can explore more on setup and safe use across our home wellness guides.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an infrared sauna while pregnant?

The standard advice is no, especially in the first trimester, because raising your core temperature is linked to a higher risk of birth defects. Only consider it later in pregnancy with explicit approval from your midwife or obstetrician.

Is an infrared sauna safe for people with high blood pressure?

Well-controlled high blood pressure is often fine, but you should check with your doctor first. Unstable or uncontrolled blood pressure, and unstable heart conditions, are reasons to avoid it until you have medical clearance.

Can I use an infrared sauna if I take medication?

It depends on the medication. Remove any transdermal patches beforehand, as heat can dangerously increase absorption. Diuretics, beta-blockers, sedatives and some antihistamines also warrant a conversation with your GP or pharmacist first.

Is it safe to drink alcohol before an infrared sauna?

No. Alcohol and heat together raise the risk of dehydration, fainting and abnormal heart rhythms, and dull the warning signs your body relies on. Wait until you are fully sober.

Can children use an infrared sauna?

It is best avoided. Children regulate their body temperature less efficiently than adults, so they overheat more easily. Only allow it on the advice of a paediatrician.

How do I know if an infrared sauna is safe for me?

If you are a healthy adult with no relevant conditions and take no affected medication, it is generally safe used sensibly. If any of the situations in this guide apply to you, speak to your doctor before your first session.