Can You Die In A Sauna?

In this blog post, I answer the unthinkable question of "can you die in a sauna?".

I'll first consider how dying in a sauna is possible, then talk about a few cases where an unfortunate death has happened, and lastly talk about how to minimize risk so this never happens to you.

Here we go:

How Do You Die In A Sauna?

Well, the answer to this question is very simple:

You stay in a sauna for a very long time, despite building up more and more discomfort.

You also ignore signs of your body telling you that you're overexposing yourself.

Finally, it's too late and the unthinkable happens...

Let's not overcomplicate the subject too much though: you are in control, at least partially, whether you die in a sauna or not. Let's, therefore, look at the biggest risk factor for dying in a sauna out there:

Alcohol, Drinking, And The Risk Of Dying In A Sauna

If you're spending time in the sauna while under the influence of alcohol, you're massively increasing your risk. In fact, in half of all cases of people dying in a sauna, alcohol was involved (1). A related study states (3):

"Alcohol-related minor accidents such as sprains and burns are common in sauna, but more serious accidents also take place--head contusions, heat stroke after passing out in sauna and drownings while swimming."

But how likely is dying in a sauna anyhow? In other words, what's the statistical chance this extremely unfortunate event occurs for you?

That data providing an answer originates from Finland, one of the countries with the most sauna users in existence. For every 100,000 deaths occurring in that country every single year, 2 take place in a sauna. Now, you might think: "so, over time, on a population of millions, quite a few people will die in a sauna?"

The answer is "yes"!

Another estimate is that every year, about 20-25 people die in Finland due to sauna usage (3). But, deaths also occur without the influence of alcohol, from natural causes. Here's how:

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