Steam rooms are similar to saunas. Both encourage you to sit in a heated room, and both have health benefits. Let's break down the differences.
Sauna vs Steam Room
The main difference is in the type of heat that they provide. A sauna uses dry heat (150°F to 195°F.), usually from hot rocks heated by gas, wood, or electric stove.
Water can be sprinkled on a pile of hot rocks in the sauna to create some water vapor, but the humidity level may stay around 10% if no water if you don't add any more water and then surpass 60% of humidity if it is.
On the other hand, steam rooms are heated by a generator filled with boiling water, reaching temperatures of 110°F to 120°F with a 100% humidity level.
Benefits of Dry Saunas
- Improved cardiovascular
- Cognitive and pulmonary health
- Increased endurance
- Faster muscle recovery
- Improved mood
Benefits of Steam Rooms
- Detoxification
- Respiratory health
- Allergy relief
- Decreased asthma symptoms
- Maintains lung and skin health
So, which one is better for you?
It all comes down to your personal preference and how your body reacts to the thermal stress of a dry sauna or steam room.
