The task of smooth movement, for example, the simple lifting of a cup to meet your lips for a cool glass of water is dependent upon the levels of available dopamine. Dopamine deficiency does not just mean less motivation and generally lowered overall mood, but rather its diminishing presence in the brain can lead to some of the most devastating diseases that humans experience. Dopamine is a necessary aspect for everyday life.
Sometimes dopamine is only associated with motivation, which is one aspect, but its presence as both a neurotransmitter and as a hormone are necessary for a healthy life. When dopamine becomes depleted many diseases ensue from depression, restless leg syndrome, ADHD, to Parkinson’s Disease. Dopamine depletion may occur for many different reasons, but balancing this out with tools that can increase the availability of dopamine is necessary.
New research suggests that the process of biosynthesizing dopamine is dependent upon an enzymatic process that includes Tetrahydrobipterin (BH4). The use of a sauna or exercise to increase internal temperature appears to increase BH4. This suggests that there may be a direct connection between dopamine availability and upregulating BH4 during a sauna session.
Additionally, it is well understood that increases in oxidative stress deplete dopamine, and that increasing heat shock proteins during a sauna session can help to minimize the impact free radicals have on the body, and therefore reduce overall oxidative stress.
Combined with the aforementioned processes, the upregulation of mitochondrial function can also help to improve bioavailable dopamine by increasing energy conversion in the body. The unbridled combination of BH4 increase during a sauna, reduced oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function that result from sauna use may improve the availability of dopamine.
This unique trifecta of results from sauna bathing on dopamine availability may be important for anyone wanting to improve their dopamine levels, but critical for those living with diseases affected by dopamine depletion.
Find out what the research tells us about improving dopamine with the use of a sauna, and how you may be able to do this from home safely and effectively.
What is Dopamine?
There are many misconceptions about what dopamine actually is and what role it plays in human health. Dopamine (DA) is both a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone. Without dopamine even the simplest of tasks would become nearly impossible. The urge to get out of bed and move through the day and meet daily obligations are also largely associated with dopamine levels. (1)
Smooth movement of body motion, for example, lifting a spoon up to the mouth to eat ice cream is entirely dependent on sufficient dopamine levels. Memory and learning are also dependent on levels of dopamine, and the most commonly discussed is motivation and eventual reward. Furthermore, dopamine may serve as a precursor in the biosynthesis of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).
The role that dopamine plays in a healthy body is exhaustive. According to a paper published by the National LIbrary of Medicine entitled ‘The Role of Dopamine and Its Dysfunction as a Consequence of Oxidative Stress’ (1), dopamine’s role in everyday life is summarized by the authors here.
“…the role of DA in the modulation of behavior and cognition; voluntary movement; motivation; punishment and reward; inhibition of prolactin production; sleep; dreaming; mood; attention; working memory; and learning.” (1)
As a neurotransmitter, dopamine is also responsible for communication between neurons and the rest of the body, which is why it plays such an important role in movement. In cases where neuronal death is rapid in the areas of the brain where dopamine is produced, diseases such as Parkinson’s become manifest. While the varied hypothesized causes for the development of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are beyond the scope of this article, it does illustrate the necessity for dopamine in order to perform smooth motor skills. (2)
Dopamine is synthesized in the body through a process that relies on specific combinations of enzymes. When these enzymes are deficient it becomes difficult to create dopamine. This enzymatic factor will become critical when examining the role that sauna bathing may play in creating more bioavailable dopamine.
Who specifically is affected by dopamine deficiency? Besides, every human who needs dopamine to function on a normal level there are specific demographics who suffer more from a dopamine deficiency.
Who is Affected by Dopamine Deficiency?
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Depression
- ADHD
- Recovering Addicts of Central Nervous System Stimulant Drugs (3)
While all humans depend on dopamine for survival, dopamine deficiency affects specific groups of individuals and can either cause or lead to serious diseases. The most prevalent diseases affected by dopamine deficiency are Parkinson’s Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, Depression, and ADHD. (3)
It is clear that the primary roles that dopamine plays in human expression are directly linked to each of the conditions that are most affected by dopamine deficiency. Where there is a lack of dopamine, memory and learning will be affected as seen commonly in ADHD. Where there is a lack of dopamine, motivation will diminish as is often the case in those who suffer from depression. There is no disease more tragic when it comes to dopamine deficiency than Parkinson’s Disease.
The National Library of Medicine published a paper entitled ‘Dopamine and Parkinson’s Disease’ (2) and its authors describe the relationship between depleted dopamine and this disease succinctly here.
“Neurons of the substantia nigra communicate with neurons of the basal ganglia by liberating the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Such an interaction at the biochemical level is responsible for the fine tuning of an organism’s movements.” (2)
Furthermore, it is believed that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are both partially responsible for dopamine depletion in cases of Parkinson’s Disease. It is believed that both mitochondrial dysfunction as well as oxidative stress may be mitigated through the regular use of sauna.
The National Library of Medicine published ‘The Role of Dopamine and Its Dysfunction as a Consequence of Oxidative Stress’ (1) and its authors write this about the correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and the loss of dopamine in PD patients.
“It is well known that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute in a significant way to the development of PD…A loss of 5–10% of dopaminergic neurons has been found in every decade of aging and an increase in brain oxidative damage is associated with age, and aging is considered a risk factor for PD.” (1)
So, how can the use of a sauna improve factors such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and enzymatic factors to improve dopamine availability?
How Can Sauna Bathing Increase Available Dopamine and Minimize Dopaminergic Troughs?
- Reduce Oxidative Stress
- Maximize Mitochondrial Function
- Increase Necessary Enzymes (Tetrahydrobipterin (BH4) for Dopamine Synthesis
Whether you are suffering with a disease related to dopamine depletion, recovery from a drug addiction, or simply looking to improve motivation and memory it is important for all humans to have a healthy level of available dopamine.
Dopamine can be depleted in many different ways, but by using a sauna it may be possible to mitigate some causes, and increase the efficacy of its biosynthesis at the enzymatic level.
Saunas, Oxidative Stress and Dopamine
It is well established that oxidative stress can lead to the development of diseases defined by dopamine depletion. It is also well documented that exposure to dose appropriate heat as seen in sauna bathing increases the production of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP 90) known for its neuroprotective powers.
Increases in the protein chaperones known as Heat Shock Proteins results from exposure to abnormally high or low temperatures. HSPs ensure the maintenance of a healthy intracellular space where free radicals roam causing oxidative stress. HSPs among many roles contribute to the health of the body by serving as a ‘clean-up crew’ for the intracellular space and ridding it of free radicals and therefore reducing oxidative stress. (4)
By reducing oxidative stress with exposure to heat and therefore increasing dopamine availability it may be possible to draw a direct relationship between sauna bathing, and the hormetic effect that it has on the body and an increase in bioavailable dopamine.
A paper published by the National Library of Medicine entitled ‘The Role of Dopamine and Its Dysfunction as a Consequence of Oxidative Stress’ (1) draws a direct correlation between dopamine depletion and oxidative stress. The authors of this paper describe a variety of ways to minimize oxidative stress to enhance dopamine production. While this particular study does not offer sauna bathing as a tool to reduce oxidative stress, it is known that the increase in HSP presence directly reduces overall oxidative stress.
A paper published by the National Library of Medicine entitled ‘Heat Shock Proteins in Oxidative Stress and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Benefits from Physical Exercises: A Review to the Current Knowledge’ (4) describes the relationship between HSPs and oxidative stress here.
“Heat shock proteins (HSPs) act as molecular chaperones that protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceed antioxidant defenses.” (4)
In addition to providing a means to increase HSPs in the body and therefore lower oxidative stress, sauna bathing regularly can also improve overall mitochondrial function, particularly if an infrared sauna is used.
Improved Mitochondrial Function and Sauna Bathing
The role that mitochondrial function plays in the maintenance of dopamine cannot be overlooked. Every single cell of the body, including neurons, contains at least one mitochondria. The mitochondria are responsible for the conversion of energy in the body. Mitochondria through the process of photosynthesis can use infrared light specifically to increase the availability of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).
When energy becomes available in the body through improved mitochondrial function, quite literally every organ and system in the body improves in health. By upregulating mitochondrial function through the exposure to infrared light in a sauna it is possible to increase dopamine availability. This is particularly poignant for those who suffer from a lack of it.
By using an infrared sauna to improve mitochondrial function via photobiomodulation (the use of near infrared & red light therapeutically) it is likely that this will work in tandem with HSP production to minimize dopaminergic troughs.
Finally, by improving dopamine synthesis at the enzymic level it may also be possible to improve the bioavailability of dopamine.
Enzyme Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) Deficiency & Sauna Use
Why is Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency relevant to dopamine deficiency? BH4 is a necessary enzyme in the creation of dopamine and without it dopamine could not be biosynthesized. Furthermore, why do saunas have anything to do with BH4?
Interestingly, a paper published by Science Direct titled ‘Do sauna therapy and exercise act by raising the availability of tetrahydrobiopterin?’ (5) describes a direct mechanism by which the heat exposure during a sauna can actually affect the availability of BH4 or tetrahydrobiopterin. The authors write this about increasing BH4 via the heat exposure in a sauna.
“Sauna therapy may act to increase BH4 availability via two distinct pathways. Increased blood flow in heated surface tissues leads to increased vascular shear stress, inducing increased activity of GTP cyclohydrolase (GTPCH-I) in those vascular tissues which will lead to increasing BH4 synthesis. A second mechanism involves the heat shock protein HSP 90, which is induced by even modest heating of mammalian tissues.” (5)
The cocktail of biochemical changes that occur in a sauna including increasing BH4, a necessary enzyme in the creation of dopamine, improving mitochondrial function, and the reduction of oxidative stress all lead to an increase in available dopamine. This means that sauna bathing may be a viable option to improve dopamine availability for those who are suffering with illness related to dopamine depletion.
How Can You Use a Sauna to Increase Dopamine Availability?
Whether you are suffering from a mild lack of motivation or a very serious disease related to dopamine deficiency, it is important for all humans to have plenty of access to dopamine. One of many ways to improve the availability of dopamine is to use a sauna regularly. This will improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and increase the necessary enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of dopamine.
Due to the need to increase mitochondrial function it may be better to use an infrared sauna, but this is for the specific intention of harnessing the effects of photobiomodulation. If you have access to near infrared light in a panel you could use a traditional sauna to improve heat shock protein production and reduce oxidative stress. You can then use your red light panel separately for mitochondrial health.
To receive the full benefits of the cocktail of reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, and increased BH4 it is best to use an infrared sauna, or the combination of a traditional sauna with a near infrared light panel. Whichever method you choose please ensure that your use is habitual, aiming for 3-7 sauna sessions per week for roughly 20 minutes per session.
Ensure that you maintain excellent hydration levels at all times and include fluids rich in electrolytes as well as mineral and nutrient rich meals.
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease please consult with your medical practitioner and specialist to ensure that sauna use is safe for you at this time. This is especially true if the disease has progressed substantially.
If you are taking medication for ADHD or depression please know that sauna use is not a substitute for your pharmacological and professional medical care.
Sources Cited:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684895/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6271/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7911410/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7868165/#:~:text=HSP70%20is%20a%20member%20of%20the%20HSP,by%20even%20400%2D500%25%20in%20young%20adult%20animals.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987709003910
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22588-dopamine-deficiency
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8573752/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10681252/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11872954/