Sauna Use for Depression: The Hyperthermia Protocol (Clinical Study)

Whole-body hyperthermia is a therapeutic strategy used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including depression. Although whole-body hyperthermia and sauna use share some similarities, whole-body hyperthermia sessions are typically longer (an hour or more) and the participant's head is spared (often kept cool with ice or cool cloths), prolonging the participant's tolerance to the intense heat. Recent studies suggest that whole-body hyperthermia reduces symptoms of depression – with lasting effects. Some of these effects may be due to the way in which hyperthermia influences thermoregulatory function, which is often dysregulated in people who have depression.

Dr. Mason and her colleagues will further investigate the effects of whole-body hyperthermia on depression in a three-year-long trial – what she describes as the "ultimate mind-body intervention." They'll combine cognitive behavioral therapy with sauna use and measure inflammatory biomarkers (which are often elevated in people who have depression) to gauge the intervention's effects. Ultimately, Dr. Mason's goal is to identify sustainable, implementable strategies that help maintain wellness and help reduce symptoms of depression.

In this clip, Dr. Ashley Mason describes the differences between sauna use and whole-body hyperthermia; how the latter may be useful in treating people who have depression; and how a new trial will investigate its use.

Watch the full episode here:    • Dr. Ashley Mason on Sauna Use for Dep...  

Learn about participating or supporting this scientific research at:
https://www.sealab.ucsf.edu/heatbed

Original episode posted Nov 2, 2021.