03/15/2026
Oh yeah it does! 🔥That’s why we like it hot at Yoga Oasis 🔥
Sauna use increases human growth hormone (HGH) levels by inducing thermal stress, which triggers the brain to signal the pituitary gland to release the hormone as a survival and repair mechanism. This spike is a “hormetic” response - a beneficial adaptation to mild, controlled stress.
To elaborate, as core body temperature rises, neurons in the hypothalamus respond to the heat stress by stimulating the pituitary gland to increase HGH production. Thermal stress activates HSPs, molecular chaperones that protect and repair cells. This cellular stress signal is directly linked to increased HGH secretion.
Furthermore, heat exposure, especially when timed correctly, can improve slow-wave (deep) sleep-the primary period when the body naturally releases HGH. Combining sauna use with resistance training or fasting can amplify the HGH response even further.
The natural, temporary increases of HGH, which differ from synthetic HGH are just that temporary, with the effects diminishing with just a few hours, but this temporary spike has INCREDIBLE benefits - Check out the comments section for the total breakdown of benefits.
Higher temperatures (around 212 degrees F) for 15-minute sessions produce more dramatic increases (up to 5-fold) than lower temperatures.
SEE PMID: 33922289
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR MEN: Sauna use can hinder s***m production. If you’re trying to conceive, cover your te**es with an ice pack while in the sauna. 🥰
