Heart Health

Hot Tub Beats Traditional and Infrared Saunas for Core Body Temperature Benefits

A head-to-head study compared hot tub immersion, traditional sauna, and infrared sauna for their ability to raise core body temperature and trigger health benefits. Twenty healthy adults underwent all three treatments in random order. Hot tub immersion at 104.9°F for 45 minutes produced the greatest increase in core body temperature, reaching fever levels that activate beneficial immune responses. Traditional sauna came second, while infrared sauna showed minimal temperature elevation. The hot tub also generated the strongest cardiovascular responses, including increased heart rate, cardiac output, and sweat production. However, actual sauna temperatures were significantly lower than their settings suggested, potentially affecting results.