Getting High Naturally in an Infrared Sauna

Why Do Infrared Saunas Feel So Good? The Science Behind the “Sauna High”

One of the most addictive sensations of using an infrared sauna is the feeling that washes over you afterward—a deeply relaxed, light, almost euphoric state. Many of our customers describe it as floating or buzzing with calm energy. And when followed by a hot steam shower? It becomes an intoxicating ritual.

But what’s really happening in your body? Why do you feel high after an intense infrared sauna session?

🔹 Infrared Heat Triggers Natural Opioid Release

When your body is exposed to the high, dry heat of an infrared sauna, your internal temperature slowly rises. The experience is challenging—but in the best way. This challenge actually stresses your body just enough to activate a series of beneficial hormonal responses.

👉 Beta-endorphins, which are your body’s natural opioids, are released in response to this controlled stress. These endorphins reduce pain and increase pleasure—producing that calm, blissful state sauna lovers crave.

👉 Dynorphins, another class of neuropeptides, are also released. While dynorphins themselves are associated with discomfort or stress, they sensitize your opioid receptors, setting the stage for a stronger endorphin response afterward.

Your body needs to experience a little discomfort to trigger the post-sauna “high.” It’s the stress of the heat that creates the conditions for pleasure later on—much like the “runner’s high” from endurance workouts or the buzz after eating very spicy food.

🔹 Serotonin and Dopamine: Mood and Reward

Beyond endorphins, intense sauna sessions also increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter tied to mood stability, relaxation, and sleep quality. Many users report:

• Feeling more emotionally balanced

• Experiencing less anxiety

• Falling asleep faster and sleeping deeper

Dopamine, often associated with motivation and reward, also rises during sauna use—particularly after repeated sessions. This adds to the feel-good “buzz” afterward and may explain why so many people get hooked on the ritual.

It’s not your imagination: infrared sauna use raises dopamine, beta-endorphins, and serotonin—the same neurochemicals triggered by intense exercise, meditation, and even falling in love.

🔹 The Science of Thermal Pain and Pleasure

The intense feeling you get after 30–40 minutes in a hot infrared sauna is a thermogenic stressor. Your body ramps up heart rate, increases circulation, and produces sweat in an attempt to regulate itself. In doing so, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, your “rest and digest” mode.

This process reduces inflammation, improves cardiovascular function, and leads to that floaty, light feeling after a session.

Following your sauna with a hot shower amplifies the effect. It seals in the heat response, helps cleanse toxins from the skin, and provides a sensory “reset” that intensifies relaxation.

🔹 Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Substances

Many people chase this kind of high with substances like alcohol or recreational drugs. But sauna therapy provides it naturally—without the crash, side effects, or long-term harm. The euphoric state from infrared saunas is completely endogenous (produced by your body), which means it’s not only safe—it’s healing.

Regular sauna use has been associated with:

• Reduced symptoms of depression

• Increased stress resilience

• Better sleep quality

• Improved energy and vitality

• Elevated skin appearance and circulation

Just like working out, the more you sauna, the more effective the high. Your body gets better at releasing those feel-good chemicals—and you’ll need less time to reach that same post-session euphoria.

🔹 Infrared Saunas and Your Brain Chemistry

Here’s a quick breakdown of the “happy chemicals” infrared sauna sessions support: