Dr. Ashley Mason is a clinical psychologist and director of the Sleep, Eating, and Affect Laboratory at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at UCSF. Her research centers on nonpharmacological approaches for treating depression, insomnia, and overeating. In this episode, we discuss:

Introduction

Whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) and sauna use differ

Depression causes thermoregulatory dysfunction – but sauna use may correct it

WBH and sauna use may reduce symptoms of depression

Heating the body slowly may improve heat tolerance and increase WBH effectiveness

Sauna use may benefit people with depression and cardiovascular disease – which often coincide

Dr. Mason and Rhonda are collaborating on new research on depression and WBH

Sauna bathing and similar practices often provide opportunities for people to connect socially

Common causes of insomnia