What Does Not Sweating in an Infrared Sauna Mean?
Many people enjoy the relaxing heat and detoxifying effects of a sauna session. But if you're not sweating in a sauna, you must get out and cool off right away. Not only are you failing to get the detoxifying benefits of sweating, but sweating is required to regulate your body's temperature.
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The Process
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Your body maintains its normal temperature in part by sweating. The moisture on your skin evaporates and removes heat energy, thus cooling your body. Fifteen minutes in a sauna can be enough to cause you to sweat a pint of water.
The Problem
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Your internal body temperature may rise as much as eight degrees F. This is the equivalent of a serious fever. If you are not sweating, your "fever" is not being alleviated.
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The Danger
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Consequences can include irritability, loss of ability to concentrate, electrolyte imbalance, increased burden on your heart, fatigue, nausea, weakness, cramps, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, rapid pulse and, in extreme cases, seizure or coma.
Take Action
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If you are in a sauna and realize that you are not sweating, get out of the sauna immediately, cool off the skin (with cool or lukewarm water, fanning, ice packs, or air-conditioning) and get medical help. While waiting for the paramedics, take your temperature. Keep working on cooling down until the thermometer reads no higher than 101 or 102 degrees F.
If you notice that someone else in the sauna is not sweating, insist that they leave and help them. Because they might not be thinking straight, don't leave them on their own.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sauna image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
