Beat Jet Lag with Far Infrared Saunas: Your Science-Backed Recovery Guide

Ever stepped off a long-haul flight feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck? That’s our friend jet lag saying “hello” — and it’s no fun at all. While many of us reach for coffee or melatonin, there’s another recovery tool that deserves your attention: far infrared saunas.

As a frequent traveler myself, I’ve tried just about every jet lag remedy under the sun. But when I discovered the science behind infrared saunas for travel recovery, it was a game-changer. Let me walk you through why this might be your new secret weapon against time zone troubles.

What’s Jet Lag Really Doing to Your Body?

Let’s face it — jet lag is more than just feeling tired at the wrong time. When you rapidly cross time zones, your body’s internal clock (that trusty circadian rhythm) essentially throws a tantrum. Suddenly, everything’s out of sync:

• Your brain says it’s bedtime when the local time says it’s noon
• Your digestive system gets confused about when to feel hungry
• Your energy levels crash at inconvenient times
• Your ability to think clearly takes a serious hit

For business travelers and vacationers alike, these symptoms can steal precious days from your trip. That’s where strategic recovery methods like far infrared saunas come in.

Far Infrared Saunas: Not Your Grandparents’ Steam Room

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s clarify what makes far infrared saunas different from the traditional Finnish sauna varieties you might be familiar with.

Rather than heating the air around you to extreme temperatures, far infrared saunas use light technology to warm your body directly. This means:

• Lower temperatures (usually 35-65°C/95-150°F) that feel comfortable
• Direct warming of body tissues without the intense air heat
• Gentle sweating that many find more tolerable
• A more relaxing experience that’s easier to enjoy when you’re already fatigued

This gentler approach makes infrared saunas particularly appealing when your body is already stressed from travel.

The Science-Backed Benefits for Jet Lag Recovery

Curious about the research? Here’s what studies have found about infrared saunas that directly applies to jet lag recovery:

1. They’re Relaxation Powerhouses

A 2019 global survey published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that regular sauna users (who used saunas 5-15 times monthly) reported significantly higher mental well-being scores. When you’re stressed from travel, this relaxation effect can be pure gold.

The surprising part? The study participants were predominantly health-conscious individuals who already exercised regularly — yet they still noted mental health improvements from adding sauna sessions.

2. They Can Reset Your Sleep Cycle

The same 2019 study revealed that a whopping 83.5% of respondents experienced better sleep after sauna use, with benefits lasting for 1-2 nights afterward. When your sleep cycle is completely thrown off by crossing time zones, this sleep-enhancing effect could help you adjust faster.

Think about it: if you can fall asleep more easily on your first night in a new time zone, you’re already winning the jet lag battle.

3. They Get Your Blood Flowing

Perhaps unexpectedly, research published in Canadian Family Physician suggests that far infrared saunas may improve circulation and help normalize blood pressure. After being cramped in an airplane seat for hours, improved blood flow could help your body recover more quickly from the physical stress of travel.

This circulation boost might be particularly helpful in counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting during long flights.

Here’s a quick summary of what the research tells us:

Your Practical Guide to Using Infrared Saunas for Jet Lag

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to make the most of infrared sauna sessions when traveling:

Timing Is Everything

• Post-arrival session: Schedule a sauna session shortly after reaching your destination to kickstart relaxation and help your body adjust
• Evening use: Using the sauna a few hours before bedtime can enhance sleep quality by triggering your body’s natural cooling process afterward
• Smart pairing: Combine with strategic light exposure (morning light if you’ve traveled east, evening light if you’ve traveled west) for maximum benefit

Duration and Temperature Sweet Spots

Based on research, aim for:

• 15-30 minutes per session
• Temperature between 35-50°C (95-122°F)
• Start shorter if you’re new to saunas, then gradually increase as comfortable

Safety First

• Hydrate before and after your session (you’ll sweat more than you realize!)
• Skip the sauna if you’re feeling ill or already dehydrated
• Check with your doctor if you have cardiovascular conditions or other health concerns

Create Your Recovery Ritual

For best results, integrate your sauna session with other jet lag strategies:

• Adjust your meal times to match your new time zone
• Limit caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening
• Stay hydrated throughout your travels
• Get some light physical activity, like walking, after a long flight

Where to Find Far Infrared Saunas When Traveling

Not sure where to access infrared saunas on your travels? Look for:

• Upscale hotels with spa facilities
• Day spas that offer single sessions
• Wellness centers and gym facilities
• Dedicated sauna studios that are becoming popular in major cities
• When you finally get home, your own dedicated wellness and recovery retreat with your own Transcend Infrared Sauna

Is It Worth It?

The combination of relaxation effects, sleep improvement, and circulation benefits addresses the core issues that make jet lag so challenging. Plus, taking time for a sauna session forces you to slow down and acclimate — something we rarely do when rushing into a new time zone.

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