Does It Really Matter How HOT Your Sauna Gets, Should You Use Your Phone In A Sauna, What Kind of Sauna Ben Greenfield Uses & More With Connie Zack

Ben Greenfield

Feb 26, 2026

Episode description

Full Show Notes:  BenGreenfieldLife.com/sunlightenpodcast

This episode is all about clearing up confusion and bringing practical advice to the world of sauna use. I brought on Connie Zack, who co-founded one of the most highly regarded infrared sauna companies, to help break down the research, technology, and best practices. We discussed questions like how hot a sauna needs to get, whether the latest gadgets and red lights are worthwhile, the real science behind detox and heat stress, and even tips for making sauna routines fit anyone’s lifestyle—whether you’re a hardcore athlete or just want to relax and recover. 

Connie Zack is the co-founder of Sunlighten, the global leader in infrared sauna and light therapy and the creator of the full-spectrum, low EMF infrared sauna I use. Inspired by her brother's health transformation, she and her husband, Aaron, left successful pharmaceutical careers to revolutionize the industry with science-backed innovations. 

Connie is a pioneer in infrared light technology, driving widespread education on its benefits through collaborative partnerships. A passionate advocate for holistic health, Connie integrates nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and infrared therapy into her life. As a mother, wife, wellness enthusiast and entrepreneur, she brings light, hope and happiness to the world through her expertise in how infrared light and heat impacts healthy lifespan.

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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize advanced saunas for targeted light therapy results

Advanced saunas can separate and combine far, mid, near-infrared, and red light wavelengths into specific programs to target goals like anti-aging or pain relief.

Focus on infrared energy absorption, not air temperature in sauna use

The effectiveness of an infrared sauna is about the quantity and quality of infrared energy absorbed by your body, not the ambient air temperature.

Enter infrared sauna immediately after turning it on for optimal absorption

For optimal absorption, it's best to get into an infrared sauna right after turning it on, as the wavelengths are longest and smoothest when it's not fully heated.

Recognize sweat as a source of hidden toxins

A key study showed that sweat can contain toxins like mercury even when blood tests for the same individuals show no detectable levels.

Recognize 30 years of infrared research on cardiovascular benefits

Contrary to some beliefs, significant scientific research on the cardiovascular and other benefits of infrared technology has existed for nearly 30 years.

Utilize infrared sauna to structure water for improved blood flow

Beyond just heat, the photons of light from an infrared sauna structure the water within your vasculature, leading to smoother blood flow and better nitric oxide absorption.

Relax to enhance detoxification process

To optimize detoxification, it's better to be in a relaxed, parasympathetic state rather than exercising, as this state makes your body more open to healing.

Avoid combining red light panels with dry saunas

You should not add red light panels to a traditional high-heat dry sauna because the intense heat compromises the integrity and cellular absorption of the light energy.

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