Scientists said exposure to high temperatures may help the body acclimatise to heat and regulate its temperature more efficiently [1].
This adaptation is particularly relevant as the UK experiences a long summer of heatwaves. By building a tolerance to extreme warmth, individuals may be better equipped to handle rising outdoor temperatures without experiencing severe heat-related stress.
According to research, using a sauna can serve as a tool for heat acclimatisation [1]. The process involves exposing the body to controlled high-heat environments, which triggers physiological responses that make the body more efficient at cooling itself down when facing external heatwaves [1].
"Research suggests that exposure to high temperatures may help the body acclimatise to the heat and allow it to regulate its temperature more efficiently," scientists said [1].
This method of building heat tolerance focuses on the body's natural ability to adapt. While the UK continues to face high temperatures this summer, the use of saunas provides a controlled way to stimulate the body's thermoregulatory systems — a process that can reduce the shock of sudden temperature spikes.
Experts said this form of preparation helps the body manage its internal cooling mechanisms more effectively [1]. This includes improvements in how the body produces sweat, and manages blood flow to the skin to dissipate heat.
“Exposure to high temperatures may help the body acclimatise to the heat.”
The ability to acclimatise to heat is a critical biological defense against heatstroke and exhaustion. By utilizing controlled heat exposure like saunas, individuals may lower their physiological vulnerability to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK.
