The mental health benefits of heat therapy, particularly through sauna use, have garnered increasing attention from researchers and healthcare professionals. This ancient practice, long valued in many cultures for its health benefits, is now being studied scientifically for its effects on mental well-being, especially in the treatment of depression.

The Science Behind Heat Therapy and Mental Health

Recent studies have shed light on heat therapy as a complementary treatment for depression. A clinical trial conducted at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) explored the use of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for addressing major depressive disorder (1). The results were promising, with 11 out of 12 participants no longer meeting the criteria for major depressive disorder after the treatment (1).

The mechanism behind heat therapy’s antidepressant effects is still being investigated. One theory suggests that the induced changes in body temperature may play a crucial role (2). Researchers have theorized that triggering the body’s cooling systems during the sessions of hyperthermia led to a continued lowering of body temperature after the treatment had ended, which in turn led to an easing of symptoms (2).

Heat Therapy vs. Cold Exposure

While both heat and cold therapies have been explored for their mental health benefits, recent research suggests that heat therapy may be more effective in addressing depression (2,5). It has been observed that people living with depression often have a higher body temperature than those who do not have the disorder (2). When symptoms of depression ease, the person’s elevated body temperature returns to a more normal range (2).

The Potential of Sauna Use

Traditional practices like Finnish sauna bathing have long been associated with improved mood and well-being (4,6). A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2016 found that a single session of whole-body hyperthermia produced a significant antidepressant effect apparent within a week of treatment that persisted for 6 weeks after treatment (3,8).

Combining Heat Therapy with Traditional Treatments

The UCSF study’s approach of combining WBH with CBT represents an exciting development in integrative mental health treatment (1). This mind-body intervention not only showed impressive results in reducing depressive symptoms and was also found to be feasible and acceptable to patients (1).

Heat Therapy’s Impact on Brain Health and Aging

Research also suggests that heat therapy supports cognitive function and healthy brain aging (7). These findings highlight its ability to enhance vascular function, reduce insulin resistance, and activate heat shock proteins (HSPs), which play a vital role in cellular health and protein balance (7). These benefits counteract age-related declines in metabolism and vascular function, which are key factors in Alzheimer’s disease (7). This makes heat therapy a compelling area for further exploration as a preventive or therapeutic approach (7).

Additionally, findings from the American Psychiatric Association indicate that whole-body heat therapy improves mental clarity, focus, and memory retention by promoting neurogenesis and optimizing neurotransmitter function (8). With its ability to increase blood flow to the brain, enhance neuroplasticity, and reduce neuroinflammation, heat therapy presents an attractive option for individuals seeking to maintain cognitive health and mental sharpness as they age.

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Future Directions

These promising findings have paved the way for larger clinical trials aimed at further exploring the effectiveness of heat therapy in addressing depression and other mental health conditions (1).

Conclusion

As we continue to explore innovative approaches to mental health treatment, heat therapy emerges as an effective therapy (5,8). Its ability to alleviate symptoms of depression, coupled with its non-invasive nature and roots in traditional practices, makes it a valuable option for further research and clinical use in mental health care (1,4).

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References:

  1. UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health. (2024). Heat therapy shows promise in the treatment of depression, study shows. Retrieved from https://osher.ucsf.edu/news/HEATBed-2024
  2. Heat therapy may alleviate depression, study suggests. UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/heat-therapy-may-alleviate-depression-study-suggests. Published August 7, 2024. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/heat-therapy-may-alleviate-depression-study-suggests
  3. Von Schulze, A. T., Deng, F., Morris, J. K., & Geiger, P. C. (2020). Heat therapy: Possible benefits for cognitive function and the aging brain. Journal of Applied Physiology, 129(6), 1570-1572. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00168.2020
  4. Ccie JLM Malst, Cfe, Cams, Ccci, Ctfi,. Physical and mental benefits of heat therapy for police officers. EMS1. https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/fitness-mental-health-wellness/articles/heat-therapy-for-first-responders-preparing-physically-and-mentally-with-thermotherapy-2YqZF9Ht0NHSZHdK/. Published November 21, 2024. https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/fitness-mental-health-wellness/articles/heat-therapy-for-first-responders-preparing-physically-and-mentally-with-thermotherapy-2YqZF9Ht0NHSZHdK
  5. Mischoulon D. Heat: A New Approach to Treating Depression? Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2017 Oct;15(4):6s-7s. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.154S06. Epub 2017 Oct 12. PMID: 31975887; PMCID: PMC6519523. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6519523/
  6. Puder D. Sauna and heat exposure: Unveiling benefits for mental and physical health | Psychiatry Podcast — Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast. Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast. https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psychiatry-psychotherapy-podcast/episode-221-sauna-amp-heat-exposures-impact-on-mental-amp-physical-health. Published December 6, 2024. https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psychiatry-psychotherapy-podcast/episode-221-sauna-amp-heat-exposures-impact-on-mental-amp-physical-health
  7. Von Schulze AT, Deng F, Morris JK, Geiger PC. Heat therapy: possible benefits for cognitive function and the aging brain. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2020;129(6):1468-1476. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00168.2020 https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00168.2020
  8. Whole-Body heat shows potential in treating depressive symptoms Nick Zagorski Publication: Psychiatrics News Volume 51, Number 13 https://doi.org/10.1176/APPI.PN.2016.6b. Psychiatrics News. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2016.6b16