Whether you enjoy a sauna during a spa day or use it after the gym, there are many benefits to shutting yourself in the small and very hot rooms.

If you’re new to the idea of a sauna, you might be wondering what makes them so worthwhile and if you’re really missing out.

To help you understand, Aston University has shared how a sauna can be helpful for your body.

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What are the benefits of a sauna?

The university’s website says that a sauna and a steam room are both known to “open your pores and increase blood circulation” which will help your skin become softer.

It adds that the use of a sauna and steam room also help remove skin impurities.

Saunas can also relax muscles, relieve body tension and minimise joint pain. If you’ve had an injury or joint pain, a sauna can help you with your recovery.

Gym users will notice their muscles “feel at ease again sooner” with the use of a sauna after a tough workout.

Saunas can also reduce stress, including exam stress for students or day-to-day stress for others.

Aston University says: “Why not reduce that stress in a simple and relaxing way? Saunas are a brilliant way to reduce stress levels you may feel on a day to day basis. The heat from the Sauna helps the body to release endorphins; a feel good chemical that has been proven to reduce the effect of stress, whilst also aiding sleep.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Saunas offer lots of health benefitsSaunas offer lots of health benefits (Image: Getty)

It adds: “So sauna and steam rooms are brilliant! They not only help you feel good, they make you look good and help keep you healthy all by sitting still!”

How long should you stay in a sauna?

Clearlight Saunas UK explains that you'll need to be in a sauna for varying lengths of time to gain different benefits.

For example, to get the most benefits from an infrared sauna, you should spend 25 minutes in there at 55C. It adds that this should be done “at least 3 times a week over a minimum of 3 months.”

If you're using a sauna to help with inflammation or muscle soreness, they advise you to frequently use a sauna for 30 minutes at 55C.

Detoxification benefits can be achieved if you spend between 15 and 25 minutes in a sauna at 55C-60C.

If you're hoping to lose weight while using a sauna, they say to spend “45 minutes at 60ºC, 4-5 times per week over a 3-month period.”

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For mental health benefits such as anxiety and depression, 15-20 minutes is recommended at 60C.

If you're looking to achieve better heart health, “20 minutes, 4 to 7 times a week at 55ºC is recommended.”

Clearlight Saunas UK adds: “How long you should sauna for skin benefits such as anti-aging, purification or reduction in cellulite, scars and wrinkles is 15 minutes, 2 times a week.”

Those seeking diabetes support from a sauna should spend 25 minutes in there twice a week at 85ºC, it said.