Study: Sauna Bathing Linked With Increased Life Span

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- Sauna bathing is therapeutic, relaxing, and a luxury for many. But a new study suggests it could also lengthen your life.

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that increased frequency of sauna bathing can reduce your risk of heart-related deaths.

Increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), fatal coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality.

The study polled a sample of 2,315 middle-aged men from Easter Finland in the mid-to-late 1980s, and conducted a follow up over 20 years later.

Compared to men with one sauna session per week, those who visited 2 to 3 times per week had a 22 percent lower chance of dying from SCD, while men who visited 4 to 7 times per week had a 51 percent lower chance.

The study also showed that men with bathing sessions lasting 11 to 19 minutes fared better than those who spent less than 11 minutes in the sauna.

The researchers noted that further studies are needed to establish a reason for the improved cardiovascular health.

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