Sauna from Finland is honored to welcome Professor Hans Hägglund, MD, PhD, as a distinguished speaker on the science of sauna, health, and well-being.
Recent research from Sweden shows that regular sauna users report higher levels of happiness, better sleep quality, and greater overall life satisfaction compared to non-users. The study found that sauna bathing is associated not only with improved physical health, but also with enhanced mental well-being and energy levels. Interestingly, the highest happiness levels were reported among those who sauna one to four times per month.
He graduated from Karolinska Institutet and completed his postdoctoral research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, USA. Between 2013 and 2018, he served as Director of the Cancer Center at Uppsala University Hospital, followed by his role as Sweden’s National Cancer Coordinator at the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (2019–2022).
Today, he works as Senior Consultant at Karolinska University Hospital and as an affiliated researcher at the Center for Resilient Health at the Stockholm School of Economics.
Known internationally as the “Sauna Doctor,” Professor Hägglund serves at the Swedish Sauna Academy and sits on the boards of the International Sauna Association and the Sauna Research Institute (USA). He is also the founder of The Swedish Cold Bath Organization.
His research focuses on the growing scientific evidence showing that heat and cold exposure may support disease prevention, cardiovascular health, stress reduction, improved sleep, and overall resilience — contributing not only to longer life, but to a happier one.
Professor Hägglund is the author of The Sauna Book – Hot Facts about Saunas and Health.
We warmly welcome Professor Hägglund to share insights on how sauna bathing can enhance both health and happiness.
