Heat Therapy for Mental Health + WellbeingUpdated 18 days ago
Regular sauna use has a well-documented effect on mood, stress, and mental clarity. Here's what's happening and why it works.
What happens in your body
Heat exposure activates your parasympathetic nervous system the "rest and recover" state. As your body works to regulate its temperature, it releases endorphins and promotes deep physical relaxation, which has a direct effect on how you feel mentally.
The SaunaPod Infrared operates at 86–149°F (30–65°C), and the SaunaPod Steam at 104–122°F (40–50°C) with 100% humidity—both warm enough to trigger a meaningful physiological response while remaining comfortable for extended sessions.
Stress and anxiety
Heat exposure lowers physical tension in the body, which reduces the perception of stress. Regular sauna use has been associated with reduced cortisol levels and a calmer baseline stress response over time.
Mood
The endorphin release from heat exposure is similar in nature to the post-exercise mood lift. Many regular users describe their sauna as a reliable reset — a controllable way to shift their mental state at the end of a difficult day.
Sleep
After a sauna session, your core temperature gradually drops, signalling to your brain that it's time to wind down. Many regular users report improved sleep quality, particularly when using their SaunaPod in the afternoon or early evening.
Red light and chromotherapy (SaunaPod Infrared)
The SaunaPod Infrared includes 660nm red light LEDs and a 4-colour chromotherapy system. Colour therapy is commonly used to support mood and mental state during a session:
- Red — energy, circulation, and metabolism stimulation
- Green — balance, calm, and stress relief
- Blue — relaxation, nervous system calm, and sleep support
- Purple — introspection, deep recovery, and spiritual calm
Red light and chromotherapy (XEN Infrared Sauna)
The XEN Infrared Sauna includes a medical-grade rotational red light panel with dual 660nm and 850nm wavelengths, targeting skin vitality, joint inflammation, and muscle recovery. The panel's rotational axis allows you to direct light precisely where you need it most.
The XEN Infrared Sauna also features 16 modes of chromotherapy, designed to help regulate your nervous system and shift your mental state during a session—from calming and decompressive to energising and focused. Control both red light and chromotherapy settings directly from the touch panel inside the cabin.
Based on standard chromotherapy references:
- Red — energy, circulation, and metabolism stimulation
- Orange — creativity, emotional warmth, and mood uplift
- Yellow — mental clarity, focus, and digestive support
- Green — balance, calm, and stress relief
- Turquoise — skin rejuvenation and stress reduction
- Blue — relaxation, nervous system calm, and sleep support
- Purple — introspection, deep recovery, and spiritual calm
- Pink — inner peace, emotional softness, and tranquility
- Amber — grounding, warmth, and comfort
- Lime / Yellow-Green — revitalisation and mental refreshment
- Cyan / Aqua — clarity, cooling, and mental reset
- Indigo / Deep Blue — deep relaxation, intuition, and pain relief
- Slow colour cycle — full-spectrum mood balancing over time
- Fast colour cycle — energising, stimulating multi-sense experience
- Breathing / fade pulse — rhythmic calm, breath work support
- White / full spectrum — neutral, clean light for general wellness and clarity
Heat therapy is a wellness tool, not a medical treatment. If you're experiencing significant mental health challenges, please speak with a healthcare professional.