5 reasons to install a steam room at home

Steam baths are great for reducing stress

The heat from the sauna causes the body to release endorphins and other 'feel good' chemicals that counteract the harmful hormones caused by stress. The heat regulates the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we’re stressed, and too high levels of cortisol can lead to a number of health issues such as problems with the immune system and sleeping issues. Heat reduces the levels of cortisol in our blood and stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good and counteracts depression.

Steam baths can help you sleep better

The heat, the silence, and the solitude will help you relax, and research has shown that a sauna session can have dramatic effects on sleeping patterns. By raising your body temperature in the sauna just before it is time to go to bed, your heated body will automatically work to readjust its temperature afterward. It is this cooling-down and normalizing after the sauna bath that will lull you off to sleep, leaving you calm and relaxed enough to sleep soundly through the night.

Steam baths protect against common colds

Heat has a positive effect on our immune system, and regular heat exposure can significantly reduce the risk of catching common colds and the flu. As the heat boosts the blood circulation and stimulates the production of white blood cells, this helps to protect our bodies against viral and bacterial attacks.

Steam can work miracles on your skin

Regular steam baths can have a transformative effect on your complexion. The heat, the sweating, and the increased circulation stimulates the production of collagen, and deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your skin. Fifteen minutes in the steam room opens pores, increases sweating, stimulates circulation, and eliminates toxins. If you are looking to improve your skin, consistency is key. One session in the steam sauna doesn’t have a lot of impacts, but if you turn regular steam sauna baths into a habit you will soon see a difference in your complexion.

Steam baths can speed up weight loss

Frequent visits to the steam room or saunas can be a great complement to exercise if you want to lose weight. Heat helps you burn calories since the high temperature stimulates the calorie burn in the same way as when the body temperature is raised through physical activity. Dr. Steve Faulkner at the Longborough University is behind this discovery, that he made when he let participants in a study first take an hour-long hot bath and then bike for an hour. What he found was that both exercises lowered the levels of blood sugar and raised the number of calories burned equally.