Could a single sauna session lift depression and anxiety?
NCT ID NCT06144294
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates whether a single session of whole-body hyperthermia (using an infrared sauna) can quickly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers will measure brain activity, inflammation, and mood changes in four groups: healthy postpartum women, postpartum women with depression, healthy adults, and adults with major depression or anxiety. The goal is to understand how heat therapy might work in the brain and whether it is a feasible treatment for postpartum depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Whole-body hyperthermia (infrared sauna)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a fast-acting, non-drug option for treating depression and anxiety, including postpartum depression.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study exploring mechanisms, not a proven treatment. The effect may be small or temporary, and sauna use carries risks like overheating or dehydration.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, 10021, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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