Copyright Men's Journal
Tech entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson is known for pushing the limits of health. Over the years, he’s tried everything from blood transfusions using his 17-year-old son’s blood to hyperbaric oxygen therapy and psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin. But there was one thing he hadn’t tried—regular sauna use. Saunas have grown in popularity recently, and research backs their benefits. Studies show that four or more sessions per week can cut the risk of death from all causes by up to 40 percent, a benefit similar to quitting smoking or losing extra weight. Still, Johnson wasn’t sure whether sauna use would offer any significant health advantage. He teamed up with a physician to design a sauna protocol, installed a dry sauna at home, and committed to 20-minute sessions at 200°F, seven days a week—all to test whether sauna could enhance cardiovascular health, support detoxification, and influence fertility markers. Bryan Johnson’s Sauna Experiment Results The first week was the toughest for Johnson. He experienced leg cramps, disrupted sleep, and heavy sweating that caused significant electrolyte loss. Despite the challenges, early cardiovascular improvements were noticeable, including a 5.8 percent drop in central systolic blood pressure, showing that the body was already responding positively to heat stress. By week two, cramps subsided, sleep improved slightly, and he focused on minimizing toxin exposure by wearing cotton, skipping water on the sauna rocks, and showering immediately afterward. His body continued to adapt to the heat, and cardiovascular markers continued to trend in a positive direction, setting the stage for measurable results by week three. After 23 sessions, the sauna produced clear health benefits for Johnson. He saw a dramatic reduction in body toxins, with several previously high levels dropping to undetectable amounts. His resting heart rate decreased by 4.4 percent, and fertility markers increased by 31 percent. During the final weeks, he completed 48 sauna sessions in total. Cardiovascular benefits continued to strengthen, with arterial flexibility improving by 25 to 50 percent and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), a key marker for blood vessel growth, surging. Overall, the sauna reinforced cardiovascular health, detoxification, and supported fertility. Safe Sauna Protocol Based on Johnson’s experiment, a sauna routine can be a powerful complement to exercise: Frequency: 3 to 5 sessions per week Duration: 15 to 20 minutes per session Temperature: 175 to 200°F Safety: Gradually build tolerance and stay hydrated with electrolytes The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Sauna use may not be safe for everyone, especially those who are pregnant, have heart conditions, or have other underlying health issues. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new wellness or exercise regimen.
