Sauna and sleep quality: how heat improves your night's sleep

"Why do I fall asleep faster after a sauna session?" You might have asked yourself that question before, as you snuggled under a blanket after a session in your outdoor sauna. It's no coincidence, as heat therapy plays a surprisingly significant role in how well—and how deeply—you sleep. In this blog post, we delve into the warm world of saunas and their impact on your sleep quality. And don't worry: we'll leave the complicated details to other websites. Here, you'll find clear, understandable, and inspiring explanations for why you might want to use your sauna more often… and how Happy Timber can play a valuable role in achieving that.

What does an outdoor sauna do to your body before going to sleep?

The heat of an outdoor sauna does more than just relax. During a sauna session, your body temperature rises, and as you cool down, your brain receives a signal that it's time to rest. This cooling causes a drop in your core body temperature – and that's exactly what you need to fall asleep better. So, no need for sleep music, just a healthy dose of warmth and tranquility.

Several scientific studies have shown that saunas and sleep are an excellent combination. The deep muscle relaxation, the release of stress hormones, and the calming effect of a sauna visit help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer.

Heat therapy and sleep problems: natural support

Do you often lie awake, despite warm milk or sleep meditation? A sauna can offer relief. Regular use of heat therapy creates a natural rhythm between tension and relaxation in the body. And that rhythm helps with:

• Fall asleep faster
  
• Wake up less at night
  
• Deeper sleep cycles
  

The heat also has a pain-relieving effect. Do you suffer from stiff muscles or joints at night? Then a Happy Timber outdoor sauna is a gentle way to relieve this – without pills, powders, or fuss.

Curious which outdoor sauna suits your sleep ritual? Request a free quote using our sauna configurator .

Why having your own outdoor sauna at home is really something for you

Going to the spa is fun, but you still have to get dressed, get in the car, and wait for a spot. How wonderful would it be to have your own private sauna? Right in the garden or in your own wellness corner. No stress, no time limit – just relax at your own pace.

And you know what makes it even better? At Happy Timber, we manufacture our outdoor saunas ourselves, right here in the Netherlands. So you won't receive a standard kit from a distant land, but a carefully considered design crafted with love.

That's why customers choose Happy Timber:

• Own production – Everything is made in our own Dutch factory
  
• Manufacturer's Warranty – You receive a 2-year warranty on all our outdoor saunas
  
• Free delivery – We deliver your outdoor sauna to your doorstep with a cage monkey
  
• Excellent service – Always available, always thinking along
  

Want to know more about our approach? Feel free to contact us!

The best time for a sauna session: when is the best time for sleep?

The perfect time for a sauna session is about one to two hours before bedtime. This gives your body time to cool down, a natural signal that the resting phase can begin. So take your time: no screens, no crowds, just… warmth and silence.

Ready to take that sleep ritual seriously? Schedule a visit to our showroom and discover what heat therapy can do for you. Schedule your appointment here .

Sauna and stress: a relaxation ritual with impact

Stress and poor sleep go hand in hand. Fortunately, the same goes for relaxation and deep sleep. Using a sauna lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Instead, your body produces more endorphins—those wonderful feel-good hormones. The result? You feel lighter, calmer, and ready for the night.
And you won't just notice this in bed. You'll also radiate more peace during the day, because your nights truly become moments of recovery.

Want more tips for a relaxed lifestyle? Dive into our other blogs and get inspired.

Which outdoor sauna best suits your sleeping needs?

Not every outdoor sauna is the same—and that's a good thing, because every body reacts differently to warmth and relaxation. At Happy Timber, you'll find various types of outdoor saunas to suit different needs and spaces:

• Traditional outdoor saunas: Made from sustainable wood, ideal for experiencing the natural warmth and ambiance of your garden. Perfect for those who enjoy an authentic sauna experience.
• Compact outdoor saunas: Suitable for smaller gardens or places where you want to enjoy a sauna session quickly and easily, without compromising on comfort.
  
  
• Spacious outdoor saunas with extra seating: For those who like to relax together or with the whole family and want more space for a longer sauna session.
  

All Happy Timber outdoor saunas are stylish, durable, and designed to be easy to maintain, so you can fully focus on your rest and recovery.

Do you sleep better in a sauna? Absolutely!

Short answer: yes. Long answer: absolutely. Regular sauna use ensures:

• Better sleep quality
  
• More relaxation in body and mind
  
• A more natural sleep-wake rhythm
  
• Less stress and tension complaints
  
• More energy during the day thanks to deep nights
  

And the best part? You don't even have to leave the house if you choose your own sauna at home.

Can you picture it? A warm evening, a relaxed body, and then an effortless night's sleep. Start planning today: request a quote .

Frequently asked questions about saunas and sleep quality

How many times a week is a sauna good for my night's sleep?

Two to three times a week is ideal for seeing long-lasting effects on your sleep quality. This provides sufficient relaxation without overloading your body.

Does a sauna also help with chronic sleep problems such as insomnia?

While a sauna isn't a medical treatment, it can certainly offer support. Many people with insomnia experience relief from the relaxing effect.

Can I use a sauna if I'm already tired?

Absolutely! A sauna session can actually help transform that fatigue into deep rest. It's important to cool down properly and drink water afterward.

Is an infrared sauna better for my sleep than a traditional sauna?

Both have their advantages. Infrared works deeply on muscles and joints and is often gentler in temperature. Traditional saunas offer more intense heat therapy. Which one suits you best depends on your preference.

Can I also visit Happy Timber to see saunas in real life?

Yes, absolutely. We'd be happy to welcome you to our showroom. Feel free to schedule an appointment through our website and come experience your future sleep aid for yourself.