People Have Died in Sauna: How to Stay Safe and Informed

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Saunas have long been celebrated for their health benefits—helping with relaxation, detoxification, and even improving circulation. But lurking beneath the surface of this calming ritual is a serious question: Can you die in a sauna?

While it may sound shocking, the answer is yes, it’s possible. However, the risks are manageable if you know what to watch out for.

How Does Someone Die in a Sauna?

The short answer is that death in a sauna typically occurs when a person stays inside too long, ignoring the signs that their body is overheating.

Saunas create a high-heat environment that forces your body to sweat. When you don’t recognize the warning signs that your body is struggling to cope—like dizziness, extreme thirst, or confusion—you risk losing control of the situation.

If these symptoms are ignored, your body can go into heat stroke or, worse, heart failure. And there are certain situations that dramatically increase your chances of a bad outcome.

Alcohol and Saunas: A Deadly Combination

Drinking alcohol before or during a sauna session is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Studies show that in approximately 50% of sauna-related deaths, alcohol is a contributing factor. Alcohol not only dehydrates your body but also impairs your ability to perceive danger and react accordingly.

According to research, alcohol-related mishaps in saunas range from minor accidents like sprains and burns to more severe outcomes like heat strokes or drowning (if the sauna is near a pool or lake).

The statistics from Finland—where saunas are deeply embedded in the culture—reveal that for every 100,000 deaths in the country, two occur inside a sauna. This might sound insignificant at first, but on a national scale, it adds up to 20-25 sauna-related deaths annually, many of which involve alcohol.

Natural Causes

Not all sauna deaths are related to alcohol. In fact, around 50% of sauna deaths are due to natural causes, such as heart attacks or strokes. Individuals with pre-existing heart or blood vessel conditions are at a higher risk because the heat puts additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

For this reason, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before using a sauna if you have any underlying health concerns. A physician can help you determine whether sauna sessions are safe for you and suggest appropriate time limits.

Examples of Tragic Incidents

World Sauna Championships (1999–2010): Held annually in Finland, this competition pushed contestants to endure extreme heat for as long as possible. In 2010, a Russian man died after just 6 minutes in a sauna heated to 230°F (110°C). He had taken painkillers to withstand the heat, which dulled his body’s ability to detect danger. A Finnish contestant also collapsed during the same event. After this tragedy, the competition was permanently canceled.

Korean Sauna Operator (2013): In South Korea, a 68-year-old man who worked as a sauna operator died after spending excessive time in a sauna with extremely high temperatures. This case highlights the risk of overexposure, even for seasoned sauna users.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony (2009): During a traditional Native American-style sweat lodge ceremony in the U.S., two participants died, and 18 others were hospitalized. The group had fasted for 36 hours and gone without water for 24 hours before entering the sweat lodge. The intense heat, combined with dehydration and improper construction of the lodge, led to fatalities and severe injuries, including burns and organ failure.

Brazilian Mixed Martial Arts Fighter (2013): To lose 33 pounds in a week for an upcoming fight, a Brazilian MMA fighter died after collapsing from extreme dehydration during a sauna session. He had pushed his body to the limit to reach his weight class but collapsed and later died in the hospital.

How to Stay Safe in a Sauna: Practical Tips

The good news is that with proper precautions, the risk of dying in a sauna is exceedingly low. Here are some simple steps to keep your sauna experience safe and enjoyable:

1. Avoid alcohol and drugs – Never enter a sauna under the influence of substances that impair your judgment or alter your body's ability to regulate temperature.
2. Know your limits – Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or extremely uncomfortable, exit the sauna immediately.
3. Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water before and after your session to help your body manage the heat.
4. Eat a light snack beforehand – Going into a sauna on an empty stomach can increase your risk of feeling lightheaded or fainting.
5. Monitor time and temperature – Limit your time in the sauna, especially if you are new to it or in poor health. As a general rule, staying in for more than 20-30 minutes at a time can be dangerous.
6. Consult with a doctor – If you have any health concerns, get a professional opinion on whether sauna use is safe for you.

Conclusion: Saunas Are Safe, If You’re Smart About It

So, can you die in a sauna? Yes, but with awareness and caution, you can prevent it. Saunas offer numerous health benefits, but as with any wellness practice, they require mindfulness. The key to a safe sauna session is simple: listen to your body, avoid risky behavior like alcohol consumption, and don’t push your limits.

Just as over-exercising can lead to injury, overexposing yourself to high heat can lead to dangerous consequences. When used properly, a sauna can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that enhances your overall well-being.

Enjoy the heat, but always stay safe!