Should You Invest in an Infrared Sauna for Your Tiny Home?

by Beth Rush

One of the many advantages of tiny home living is saving on overhead costs. That extra money in your wallet means more to spend on the luxuries that make life sweet. One such potential investment is an infrared sauna. 

You might not think of such an addition to a tiny home due to space restrictions. However, with a little creativity, it can become an integral part of your interior or a separate spa retreat on your property. Are you curious to see what’s new and possible? Let’s take a closer look at whether you should invest in an infrared sauna for your tiny home. 

What Is an Infrared Sauna? 

Infrared saunas use dry heat and light to produce their therapeutic benefits. Although they’re cooler than traditional models, you can still sweat up to a pint of liquid during a session. The lights heat your body directly, rather than the room, and the lack of the need for a burning pit of coals minimizes space requirements — although large spa models exist. 

These devices benefit health in two ways — through heat and therapeutic lights, which produce three wavelengths:

• Near-infrared
• Mid-infrared
• Far infrared 

Be aware that not all infrared sauna models contain every wavelength. Some manufacturers only include far infrared, while others are full-spectrum — do your homework before you buy. 

Many infrared saunas resemble traditional models in that they resemble a separate, small wooden room that seats up to five people. However, you can also find blankets, much to the delight of tiny home dwellers hoping to preserve every last square inch of floor space. 

Benefits of an Infrared Sauna 

Why should you consider giving more than a few inches for an infrared sauna in a tiny home? Check out these potential benefits. 

1. Detoxification 

What does it truly mean to detox? It’s the process of removing unwanted wastes from your body. According to Dr. Katrina Stage, ND, RH of Sonoran University, it’s akin to taking out your body’s trash. 

Do detox protocols really work? Experts disagree. However, Dr. Casey Keller, MD, founder of Case Integrative Health, notes that you can excrete cadmium, lead and arsenic through your sweat. Therefore, a sauna may help — you must be the judge.

2. Pain Relief

Chronic pain hurts you twice. There’s the ache itself, then the toll it takes on your mental health as you lose energy and passion for the things that used to make you happy. 

Infrared saunas may help ease your pain in several ways. Heat alone loosens muscle cramps and tightness, helping you feel more relaxed. When you relax, it retrains your stress response, making you less reactive to painful stimuli and helps joints move more fluidly, reducing arthritis symptoms. 

3. Improved Circulation

Poor circulation can result from various causes, such as high cholesterol and heart conditions, diabetes, obesity and blood clots. It can increase chronic pain symptoms and leave you feeling sluggish overall. After all, your brain cells demand a hefty dose of oxygen to operate as intended. 

Heat dilates your blood vessels, facilitating circulation. Furthermore, many people find their heart rate increases in an infrared sauna, sometimes by as much as 30%. 

4. Immune System Support

A healthy immune system is crucial. According to Setor Kunutsor, MD, Ph.D., of the University of Leicester, regular sauna sessions can protect against various issues, from the common cold to asthma. 

Kunutsor cites one study that found regular sauna sessions altered levels of immune cells. His own research uncovered lower inflammatory markers in participants. 

5. Better Skin Health 

Anything that improves your circulation betters your skin. It brings it to the surface to deliver vital nutrients and moisture. 

Additionally, while sweating may not remove toxins, it may help keep your pores clear. Although pores are not attached to muscles and don’t open or close with the heat, showering after a session can feel like rinsing away impurities — and it helped at least one yogi regain a glowing complexion. 

6. Muscle Recovery

While cold eases inflammation after acute injury, sore muscles often respond better to heat. It dilates blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients while carrying away impurities. At least one recent study supports infrared sauna use in particular for this purpose, as it improved muscular recovery in participants with no adverse effects on the nervous system. 

7. Relaxation and Stress Reduction 

Finally, stress is a modern epidemic. Regular sessions in an infrared sauna promote relaxation, offering a viable remedy. Unlike a medication, you don’t have to worry about potential side effects as long as you use your device as directed. 

Considerations for Fitting an Infrared Sauna Into Your Tiny Home 

As you know, space is at a premium in a tiny home. However, savvy designers can fit yours into your custom plans. Alternatively, some models are meant for outdoor use, which is helpful if your tiny home is part of a larger outdoor spa retreat. Here are three ideas for how to make it fit.

1. Adding to a Room 

You can place your infrared sauna in the corner of an existing room. If your tiny home features stairs to a loft, you might be able to fit one underneath. 

2. Replacing an Existing Closet

Most tiny home dwellers cherish their storage space. However, you can always replace an existing closet with your infrared sauna. This solution works well for those who have additional exterior storage, like sheds or whose tiny home is an ADU on a larger property with more room for clothes and sports equipment. 

3. Building a Separate Structure 

You can invest in an infrared sauna designed for your backyard. Such an option is appealing for those with a spa backyard that includes other amenities, such as a meditation garden, a hot tub or pool or a pergola for regular yoga practice.

Infrared Saunas for Tiny Homes 

When space is at a premium, an infrared sauna might sound extra — at first. However, once you realize your minimalist lifestyle leaves room for life’s little luxuries, adding one becomes a logical step to take for your wellness. 

Adding an infrared sauna to your tiny home has oodles of potential health benefits. Turn your casa into a spa getaway and enjoy greater wellness and relaxation.