My honest experience with the Clearlight infrared sauna — what I love, what I don’t, and what people with MS need to know before trying one.
Saunas have become more popular than ever, with many people praising infrared sauna benefits like reduced stress, improved circulation, and relief from muscle aches. But if you have MS, the idea of sitting in a hot box can feel intimidating or even off-limits. That’s why I wanted to share my honest Clearlight sauna review, as an MS Specialist and physical therapist who uses her home sauna every week.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen, an MS-Specialized Physical Therapist and founder of The MSing Link—an online wellness program, book, and podcast. I help people with MS improve mobility, strength, and confidence through simple yet effective strategies and MS-specific exercise that fits into your daily routine.
MS symptoms can feel unpredictable, which is why I love reviewing tools and products that might help make your daily life feel a little easier. Today, I’m sharing my experience with the Clearlight infrared sauna and what you should keep in mind before trying one for yourself.
When I was researching home saunas, I wanted something that felt sturdy, had wellness features, and could fit into my weekly routine. After looking at different models, I chose the Clearlight Premier 3-person indoor sauna. It’s roomy enough to stretch out, but still practical for home use.
Here’s what makes this model stand out:
These features made the Clearlight sauna a great fit for me, especially because I wanted a combination of comfort and long-term wellness support.
When I first got my Clearlight sauna in February 2025, I was so excited that I used it almost every day (it’s COLD in western NY this time of year!)—usually 4 or 5 times a week for 20-30 minutes. Now that life has gotten a little busier, I use it more like once or twice a week, but I still look forward to those sessions.
My sweet spot is keeping the temperature around 135°F. It takes about 30 minutes for the sauna to heat up to that level, so I try to plan ahead. Once I step inside, the experience is incredibly calming.
Unlike a traditional steam sauna, infrared saunas heat your body directly instead of heating the air around you. That makes the warmth feel gentler and less overwhelming—which is especially important for people with MS who can tolerate mild heat.
If you’re anything like me, you probably want to know: does it actually make a difference? I had the same question before investing in my sauna, and I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. But after using it regularly, I can confidently say it’s made a noticeable impact on how I feel day to day.
Since adding the sauna into my routine, I’ve noticed three main benefits:
The infrared sauna benefits I’ve experienced haven’t brought a huge transformation, but they have made subtle improvements in how I feel. Whether it’s starting the morning strong or resetting before getting my daughter from daycare, these sessions have become one of my favorite weekly wellness practices.
Whenever I review a product for the MS community, I like to share the whole picture: the good and the not-so-good. I know many of you are weighing whether a sauna could realistically fit into your lifestyle, so I’ll break it down for you.
The truth is, there’s a lot to love about the Clearlight sauna, but there are also a few drawbacks depending on your personality, schedule, and symptoms. I’ll share what’s worked well for me and what I think you should know before deciding if it’s worth the investment.
Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for me, but it’s worth being honest about the time commitment and planning needed. If you’re looking for a speedy option, this might not be a fit. It’s also important to check in with your doctor first to make sure sauna use is safe for you.
How does sauna use affect people with MS? The short answer: it depends. If you experience heat intolerance, I wouldn’t recommend using an infrared sauna. Heat can temporarily worsen MS symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or vision changes.
For some, even a small increase in body temperature can make daily life harder. That’s why my number one recommendation is to talk with your doctor before trying a sauna.
That said, not everyone with MS experiences heat sensitivity. If you don’t, an infrared sauna could be something to explore carefully. The key is to start gently: shorter sessions, lower temperatures, and always listening to your body’s response.
If you’re living with MS, I know how important it is to approach new wellness practices with both curiosity and caution. While saunas can offer benefits, they can also bring risks—especially if heat tends to make your symptoms worse. That’s why I want to give you clear tips on approaching sauna use safely, so you can feel empowered rather than worried.
Here are some safety tips I recommend:
For me, the Clearlight infrared sauna has been a positive addition to my wellness routine. I feel calmer, more energized, and clearer-headed after my sessions. But it’s not for everyone, especially if you live with MS-related heat intolerance.
If you’re curious, talk to your doctor first and consider easing into sauna use with the safety tips I outlined above. With the right precautions, it can be a supportive and enjoyable tool for your overall wellness.
Looking for more ways to make daily life with MS easier? Download my free Mobility Tools Guide! Inside, you’ll find direct links to my favorite MS-friendly tools and products to help improve mobility and manage symptoms.
Have questions about the Clearlight sauna or infrared sauna benefits for MS? DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen — I’m always here to help!
Curious if infrared sauna benefits are safe for MS? In this Clearlight Sauna review, Dr. Gretchen Hawley shares her experience using the home sauna, what she loves (and doesn’t), and tips people with MS should know before trying infrared therapy.
On the MeSsy Podcast, Dr. Gretchen Hawley joined Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler to unpack the realities of life with MS—covering fatigue, heat intolerance, menopause, and practical strategies that lead to everyday wins. Learn simple, sustainable ways to protect your energy, retrain your brain-body connection, and find hope in steady progress.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com