The Science of Stillness — Therapies That Support Mental Health
- Saira Rehman
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a reminder to prioritise our mental wellbeing alongside physical health. Modern life often leaves us stressed, overstimulated, and chronically fatigued, with real consequences for brain and body function. Elevated stress hormones, disrupted sleep, and poor recovery can increase anxiety, reduce focus, and even affect immunity.
The good news?
Evidence-based therapies like infrared sauna and whole-body red light therapy (RLT) can support the brain and body in profound ways.
Why Mental Health Matters for the Body
Chronic stress isn’t just “in your head.” It drives systemic changes in the body:
Cortisol: High cortisol levels interfere with sleep, impair cognitive function, and trigger inflammatory pathways.
Neurotransmitters: Stress reduces serotonin and dopamine availability, affecting mood and motivation.
Sleep disruption: Poor sleep is both a cause and consequence of chronic stress. Studies link disrupted sleep to reduced hippocampal volume and impaired memory consolidation.
Research shows that intentional “stillness” and recovery — including thermal and light-based therapies — can counteract these changes, improve mood, and enhance resilience.
Therapies That Support Mental Wellbeing
Infrared Sauna
Mechanism: Infrared heat penetrates deep tissues, raising core temperature and triggering relaxation responses.
Science: Sauna use reduces cortisol, increases endorphins, and improves parasympathetic nervous system activity (Hussain & Cohen, 2018).
Mental health impact: Regular sauna sessions have been associated with reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Whole-Body Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Mechanism: Red and near-infrared light (600–900nm) penetrates tissues, stimulating mitochondrial activity and ATP production.
Science: Enhanced mitochondrial function increases cellular energy, reduces oxidative stress, and supports neurochemical balance.
Mental health impact: Evidence suggests RLT can improve mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance sleep quality, indirectly supporting resilience to stress.
Combined Approach
Alternating RLT and infrared sauna sessions maximises relaxation, neurochemical balance, and stress recovery.
Practical evidence and anecdotal reports from biohacking and wellness experts (e.g., Gary Brecka, Andrew Huberman) highlight the synergistic effects of heat plus photobiomodulation for mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Practical Tips for Mental Health Support
Schedule daily “stillness”:
Even 10 minutes of mindful breathing, journaling, or meditation can lower cortisol.
Leverage light exposure:
Natural morning sunlight plus evening red light therapy can stabilise circadian rhythms.
Hydration & nutrition:
Adequate hydration and foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and omega-3s support neurotransmitter balance.
Combine therapies:
Pairing infrared sauna and RLT sessions enhances parasympathetic activity, reduces perceived stress, and improves sleep.
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental wellness is not optional — it’s a foundational part of overall health. Scientific evidence shows that thermal and photobiomodulation therapies are effective, non-pharmacological tools to support the brain and body.
By integrating infrared sauna and RLT into your routine, you can lower stress, improve mood, and enhance recovery, both mentally and physically.
Book your infrared sauna + red light therapy session here.
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