Recognizing overheating
Early signs (leave immediately) vs. more serious signs (seek medical attention) for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The most common sauna safety issue is heat exhaustion or heat stroke from staying in too long.
Early signs (leave immediately)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Rapid or pounding heart rate beyond your normal sauna response
- Headache during or right after the session
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Excessive fatigue
More serious signs (seek medical attention)
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Confusion that doesn't resolve quickly
- Stopping sweating (in heat stroke, the body stops cooling itself)
- Severe headache combined with other symptoms
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat