From floating saunas to clinical trials: How heat might help mental health

Scientists have a good understanding of how sauna and heat exposure affect the cardiovascular system, but its impact on mental health is not well understood. Many people are using sauna for its perceived mental health benefits, particularly for depression, anxiety, and mood.

Researchers are now conducting studies to explore the connection between heat and mental health. One such study is being conducted at a floating sauna village in Oslo by a husband-wife team.

According to NPR, heat appears to act as a powerful antidepressant, but more research is needed to understand this link. A leading US researcher is also studying the effects of heat on mental health.

Brief written by urgent.news from NPR, NPR Health — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.