What is infrared?

Infrared is invisible light energy that we experience as heat. It sits just beyond red in the light spectrum and is naturally emitted by the sun, the body and other warm objects. Unlike heat that depends purely on hot air, infrared is a form of radiant energy that can be felt directly as warmth.

Is it the same as red light?

No. Infrared sauna and red light therapy are different tools. Infrared sauna uses radiant heat to create a whole-body response, supporting circulation, relaxation, sweating and nervous system regulation. Red light is visible, does not create the same heating effect, and is typically used more locally to support a specific area. At Solāis, both are offered with intention, but they are kept distinct because they work in different ways and are used for different outcomes.

Are Solāis infrared sessions neurodivergent friendly?

Yes. Solāis has been designed to feel more manageable across different sensory needs, energy levels and stress states. The head-out, lie-down design tends to feel less overwhelming than a traditional shared sauna, and sessions can be adapted around heat, lighting, sound and communication preferences. Neurodivergence is not one experience, so if there is something specific that helps you feel more comfortable, you are very welcome to say so in our sensory questionnaire that you will receive before your session. You can read more about this here.

What are the health benefits of infrared sauna?

People usually come to Solāis for support with stress, poor sleep, muscle tension, chronic pain or stiffness, hormonal shifts, training recovery, and that broader feeling of being run down or not bouncing back properly. Infrared can support circulation, warmth through the tissues, nervous system regulation and a greater sense of physical and mental ease. At Solāis, the emphasis is not on extreme heat or pushing through. It is on creating the right conditions for the body to switch off and truly recover.

Why do you use infrared sauna pods?

Because immersion matters. Solāis uses private, head-out, lie-down pods so the body is fully enclosed in infrared warmth while the head and airway stay out of the heat. That allows for a very different kind of recovery. You can lie down, wear minimal clothing, soften physically and stop holding yourself together. For many people, the privacy of that experience supports emotional regulation just as much as physical relief. The body is not just being warmed. It is being given the conditions to feel safe enough to let go.

Is Solāis women only?

No. Solāis is women-led, but it is not women-only. Much of the conversation naturally centres around women’s health and recovery, but Solāis is open to everyone . The space is inclusive and designed for anyone who needs a calmer, more private way to rest and recover.

Can I come with a friend?

Yes. Solāis offers duo sessions for two people. You attend together, but each of you has your own private infrared pod in the same calm studio setting. It gives you the shared experience of coming together, without having to share the sauna itself.

What do I wear in the sauna?

Whatever helps you feel most comfortable and able to relax. Most people wear minimal clothing, underwear, swimwear or use a towel. Sessions are fully private, so there is no need to wear more than feels comfortable for you.

What does private infrared sauna mean?

At Solāis, private means you are not sitting in a communal sauna room with other people. Your session takes place in your own contained space, with no shared sauna air, no strangers, no background conversation, and no need to stay alert or self-aware. Privacy is not treated as a luxury extra here. It is part of what makes the session genuinely restorative.

Can men and women use the individual sauna pods at the same time?

Yes. Duo sessions are set up as two separate private pods in the same studio setting, so two adults booking together can attend at the same time while still keeping their own space. The studio is only ever shared by people who have booked together, which helps preserve privacy, comfort and modesty. That matters not only on a personal level, but also across different cultural and religious preferences, where feeling appropriately covered, separate and at ease can make all the difference to whether the experience feels accessible.

Can I add red light and vibration to my session?

Yes. Both solo and duo sessions offer red light therapy and vibration plate sessions as optional add-ons at checkout. At Solāis, targeted red light is delivered as a short, purposeful support before infrared, not as a replacement for it. The aim is to keep things clear, targeted and not overstimulating.

Can I come with a group of people?

Yes. Solāis offers private group bookings, as well as tailored professional and organisational use.

When should I use infrared?

Infrared can be used in different ways depending on what your body needs. It works well as a standalone treatment, whether you are dealing with stress, poor sleep, muscular tension, pain, inflammation, hormonal shifts, training recovery, or simply feeling run down. It can also be especially helpful around other treatments. Many therapists and practitioners value it before bodywork because warmth helps the body soften, tissues feel more receptive, and people often arrive more settled. Used afterwards, it can help extend the sense of ease, support recovery, and give the nervous system more space to stay regulated after treatment. At Solāis, the point is not to force one ideal time to come. It is to use infrared in the way that best supports your system.

How often should I use infrared?

For most people, weekly use is a very good rhythm. Others choose to come more often during periods of poor sleep, pain, inflammation, high stress or hormonal change. The key idea at Solāis is consistency rather than intensity. That is exactly why the site offers single sessions, a 3-session pack, a monthly membership, a duo membership and the Solāis Protocol for people who want a more regular routine.

Can infrared help me sleep?

It can be a very supportive part of the picture. Infrared is often used to help the body shift out of a more wired, vigilant state and into something calmer and more settled. Many people find that regular sessions help them fall asleep more easily, stay asleep more consistently, and wake feeling more rested.

Can infrared help during peri-menopause or menopause?

Infrared does not replace hormones, but it can support some of the systems that influence how you feel. By helping reduce stress load, support circulation and improve sleep quality, many women find it helpful during peri-menopause and menopause, particularly for fatigue, poor sleep, low mood and feeling generally out of sync.

What is the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?

Traditional saunas mainly heat the air around you. Infrared works more directly on the body. That often makes the experience feel gentler and easier to tolerate, especially for people who do not enjoy intense hot air or steam. At Solāis, that is then paired with a head-out design, which keeps the experience even calmer and more manageable.

How long is a session and what happens during it?

Solāis offers both 30-minute and 60-minute solo and duo sessions. During the session, you rest privately in an immersive infrared pod while the heat builds gradually. The design is simple on purpose, so the body can settle. For group or organisational bookings, timing is tailored by enquiry.