The Science Behind How Saunas May Ease Seasonal Affective Disorder [View all]

Some people with SAD rely on light therapy. Now, heat therapy is having its moment in the spotlight.
By
Natasha Hinde
15/11/2025 08:00am GMT
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Saunas for seasonal depression
Counselling Directory member Zsofia Kaplar told HuffPost UK: “Using a sauna can benefit mental health and wellbeing in several ways.”

She explained that the intense heat itself can trigger “the production of a magic trio of feel-good hormones – endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, while lowering the stress hormone cortisol”.

“While the physical benefits of sauna use are better known, social connections also directly improve mental health and wellbeing – and in many cultures, a local sauna is the place for a low-key (and alcohol-free!) social gathering,” she said.

This is something Dr Martha Newson, associate professor in Psychology at University of Greenwich and leader of The Changing Lives Lab at University of Oxford, has a keen interest in.
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https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/can-saunas-help-sad-symptoms_uk_69132b97e4b0d0f8e6ce2b0d