Cold saunas, or cryotherapy saunas, are the latest wellness trend that even self-professed cold-weather haters like L360’s Evelyn Richards are warming up to.
Let’s get one thing straight: the mere thought of a frosty winter day makes me shiver, so the idea of willingly stepping into a cold sauna seemed downright absurd.
However, I’d heard that chilly cryotherapy chambers can have a lot more to offer than just a frosty experience. The supposed benefits are seemingly endless, and include pain relief and better sleep.
I spoke to health experts about why cryotherapy has become such a craze — and I even chilled out in a cold sauna myself to see if they’re L360 approved.
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What is a cold sauna?
Before you start picturing a traditional sauna, let’s clarify: cold saunas are designed to be, well, cold.
Unlike the more familiar hot saunas, these chilly sanctuaries expose you to extreme cold — think anywhere between -110C and -140C.
But don’t worry, you won’t be left to freeze like an ice lolly; the sessions usually last just two to three minutes.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
The benefits of cold saunas go way beyond just chilling out. Here’s a breakdown of why braving the cold might be worth it:
- Pain relief and reduced inflammation
Health expert Abbas Kanani explains: “Cryotherapy causes blood vessels to constrict and inflammatory cytokines production to decrease. This helps to reduce inflammation which can be beneficial for arthritis and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
“Cold conditions can temporarily reduce painful conditions by numbing nerve endings. This can be beneficial for people with muscle soreness or joint and muscle pain”
- Boosted endorphins = better mood
Feeling blue? Stepping into a cold sauna can be like pressing a reset button on your mood. The intense cold triggers a rush of endorphins — the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals — leaving you feeling surprisingly euphoric after the session.
Abbas, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, adds: “You may also feel energised because of the rush of endorphins as a result of the session.”
- Improved sleep
If counting sheep isn’t cutting it, a few minutes in a cold sauna might just do the trick. The body’s response to cold exposure helps regulate your sleep cycle by increasing melatonin production and lowering cortisol levels. So, after you thaw out, you might find yourself slipping into the best sleep of your life.
Read more: Expert tips on how to get better sleep
- Revved-up metabolism
Here’s one that might perk up your ears: Abbas says that cold exposure forces your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, which can increase your metabolic rate. Translation? You’re burning calories just by standing there.
It’s not a magic weight-loss solution, but it’s a nice bonus for those looking to give their metabolism a little nudge.
- Glowing skin
Beauty buffs, rejoice! The cold helps to tighten pores and boost circulation, leaving your skin looking fresh, firm and radiant. It’s like a spa treatment, only cooler (literally).
Plus, the reduced inflammation can help with conditions like eczema and psoriasis, making your skin happier and healthier.
I tried a cold sauna – what was it like?
To celebrate the launch of its new Peach-Raspberry flavour, Swedish drinks brand Rekorderlig Cider invited me to try its pop-up cold sauna in Liverpool Street.
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The temperature was kept at a refreshing 16C — cold enough for goosebumps, but not the full-blown cryotherapy experience.
I’m someone who’d rather hibernate under a mountain of blankets than willingly step into an icebox, but I’d heard about the potential benefits of cold saunas and knew I wanted to try one out.
The sauna is dry, not damp, which makes it feel less invasive. Plus, knowing that it’s only for a few minutes and that the benefits far outweigh the discomfort gave me the mental push I needed to stay in for the duration.
Once I’d got over the initial shock of the chilly air, a stark contrast to the muggy August heat outside, I started to enjoy my experience.
My heart rate fell, making me feel relaxed and contemplative. I closed my eyes and focused on the hum of the cold air generator, feeling the breeze on my skin.
Leaving the sauna, my mind felt sharp and alert, so I didn’t feel the need to reach for my after-lunch coffee as I usually would.
I also noticed that the ache in my shoulders from lugging about a heavy backpack had somewhat subsided.
I found the cold sauna a much more pleasant experience than a hot one, as I wasn’t feeling sweaty afterwards and so could put on my blazer and get on with my day without needing to shower.
Rather than feeling sticky and sleepy, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle my afternoon of work.
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Cold sauna tips for beginners
- Start slow: Don’t dive into the deep freeze right away. If you’re new to cryotherapy, start with shorter sessions and gradually work your way up as you become more comfortable.
- Dress the part: While you’ll need to expose as much skin as possible to get the full benefits, some cryo centres provide protective gear for your extremities —think gloves, socks and earmuffs.
- Stay dry: Make sure your skin is completely dry before entering the sauna to avoid any discomfort. “Moisture can freeze and intensify the cold,” Abbas warns.
- Go to your happy place: “Breathing and focusing in on something that makes you happy or even the warmth may help in the session,” says Abbas.
The verdict: should you try it?
So, should you try a cold sauna? If you’re looking to boost your mood, relieve pain, improve sleep or just experience something cool (in more ways than one), then the answer is a resounding yes. It’s an icy adventure that might just melt away your cold-weather woes.
There’s something incredibly empowering about stepping out of your comfort zone (or in this case, your comfort zone’s temperature range). It’s like conquering a mini challenge, and the sense of accomplishment is almost as satisfying as the physical benefits.
