Sauna vs Steam Room – Which is Better For You?

Saunas and steam rooms are a great way to relax and unwind especially after a tough day in the office or a hard workout. The mental and emotional benefits become quite apparent after your first time but they are incredibly good for one’s long term health as well.

Saunas are more common than steam rooms in gyms and hotels but if you are lucky enough to have experienced both, you may now be asking, which is better? This is an age-old debate so in the following post, we hope to cover the advantages and disadvantages of both as well as settle the sauna vs steam room debate once and for all!

Sauna Vs Steam Room – What’s Best?

What is a Steam Room?

Also referred to as a Turkish Sauna or Turkish bath, this is a very hot, moist room. Generally speaking, a steam room is made from a non-porous material and tiles are the most common choice. The use of tiles traps all of the moisture produced by the steam generator within the room itself as opposed to absorbing it.

Walking into one can be quite an experience for your first time. Due to the steam you won’t be able to see very far, making out maybe the silhouettes of other users or a few feet. As soon as you walk into a steam-room your skin will immediately feel damp as will the air. Breathing is fine although some people find it a little strange the first time. I think the best way to describe the air would be thick.

Steam Room Temperature and Humidity Level

The steam is generated and will generally turn off at the pre-determined humidity level. This can be up to 100 percent with most functioning above 95 percent humidity.

Temperatures within a steam-room can range anywhere from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, this may not seem like a lot but the humidity makes it feel much hotter than that.

Where to Sit in a Steam Room?

Hot air rises, as does steam so the higher up you are the hotter or more intense it will be. There are generally two sets of steps in the room, one providing a lower ledge and one a little higher up. If you find it too much up the top then lower yourself down to the bottom step.

Health Benefits of a Steam Room

Skin Health

As a result of the extremely high moisture in the room, your skin will begin to feel moisturized almost immediately.

Moisturized skin is supple, soft and glowing and who doesn’t want that?!

The high temperatures means your pores will open up faster and release any toxins.

The steam or moisture in the room condenses on your skin and washes the dirt and dead skin away.

So not only are you going to look moisturized, but you will also be on track to clearer, healthier skin.

Improving Circulation & Lowering Blood Pressure

Circulation and therefore cardiovascular health can be greatly improved through the use of a steam room. High temperatures boost your circulation which after prolonged use can lead to lower blood pressure. Lower blood pressure can also mean a healthier heart.

In particular, for the older generation, a study has proven that moist heat does improve circulation (1).

There have also been a few interesting studies published regarding steam room use and the release of a hormone that changes your heart rate.

Known as aldosterone, this hormone regulates the blood, which just so happens to be released in a steam room.

Decreasing or reducing the amount of cortisol in your body is going to significantly lower your stress levels. The use of a steam-room to reduce cortisol has been scientifically proven (2).

If you lead a high-stress job or lifestyle then a steam-room will do wonders for you mentally and physically.

Make it part of your routine on the way home from work!

Relaxing and de-stressing have very positive impacts on your mental focus, emotional well being as well as clarity.

Clearing Congestion

The heat and humidity of steam rooms are also great for clearing any congestion whether that’s sinus issues or your lungs. The heat warms the mucous membrane which can lead to deeper breathing. This will further accelerate the break down of any congestion.

A controlled study was completed of children with respiratory infections which proved that steam therapy significantly reduced respiratory distress than those who did not use steam (3).

If you do suffer from sinus problems you may have already tried a home steam facial. This can be slightly dangerous if you spill the boiling water on yourself. In a steam room, there is no danger whatsoever of this happening.

Depending on the type of steam room you visit, some will use leaves over the steam generator or a few drops of eucalyptus oil. This further adds to the experience and is great for clearing any congestion.

It is not advised to use a steam room if you have a fever.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness can be reduced through the use of a steam room. The heat will penetrate quite deeply into the sore muscle tissues and works to relax it. A study has been done showing the benefits of moist heat vs dry heat in terms of muscle recovery (4).

Stiff Joints

Heat can benefit stiff joints, warming them up adequately allows them to be flexible and relaxed. A steam room can not only relax and help stiff joints but it can also prevent further injury. Studies show the effect of heat increasing ligament flexibility which may help reduce athletic injuries (5).

Due to the high temperatures and humidity, it does come with a warning label. If you have low blood pressure or tendencies to faint or become dizzy then be mindful of the clock when using one.

According to experts, it is vital to stay hydrated and limit your time to a few minutes when starting. Do not use steam rooms if you are using drugs, medications or under the influence of alcohol.

If you are pregnant, using a steam room is not advised nor if you have heart conditions. If you are concerned then check with your physician before proceeding.