A single exposure to intense body heat (increasing internal temperature to 38.5 °C for 82 to 107 minutes) results in a rapid and lasting improvement in mood over six weeks.

noli's read

This advice is based on a promising randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Janssen and his team in 2016, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The researchers observed that a single session of whole-body hyperthermia induced by specific medical infrared equipment could durably enhance mood. However, this study involved a very small sample of only 34 participants, which severely limits the scope of these conclusions. Furthermore, attempting to replicate this rigorous protocol at home with a standard sauna or hot bath is difficult, as maintaining an internal temperature of 38.5 °C for nearly two hours requires strict monitoring. Finally, the study evaluated only individuals experiencing severe and persistent low mood, rather than healthy people looking for a simple temporary boost. The exaggeration therefore lies in equating this advanced clinical protocol with a simple home wellness routine.

the sources

1. 1NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 2026
2. 2Manson JE et al. 2019
3. 3foundmyfitness.com/topics