While sunbeds are known for UV radiation risks, heat stroke is a lesser-discussed but real danger—especially when used improperly. The concentrated heat and enclosed space of sunbeds can push your body’s temperature beyond safe limits, leading to this life-threatening condition. Let’s break down why this happens, who’s at risk, and how to stay safe.
1. Why Sunbeds Can Cause Heat Stroke: The Science of Overheating
Heat stroke occurs when your body can’t cool itself down, and its core temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). Sunbeds create the perfect conditions for this by combining two key factors:
Concentrated Heat Output: Sunbed bulbs generate significant heat (often 100–120°F inside the bed) to warm the skin for tanning. Unlike natural sunlight—where air flow and shade help regulate temperature—sunbeds trap this heat in a small, enclosed space.
Impaired Cooling: When lying in a sunbed, your body is in a static position, and sweat can’t evaporate easily (due to limited air circulation and contact with the bed’s surface). This stops your body’s main cooling mechanism from working, causing heat to build up rapidly.
2. Who Is at Higher Risk?
Anyone using a sunbed can develop heat stroke, but certain groups face greater danger. These include:
People with preexisting conditions: Those with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or thyroid disorders, as these conditions reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Dehydrated individuals: If you’re not drinking enough water before or during use, your body has less fluid to produce sweat, making overheating more likely.
Long or frequent sessions: Using a sunbed for more than 15–20 minutes (or multiple times in one day) increases heat exposure beyond what your body can handle.
Children, teens, and older adults: Younger bodies haven’t fully developed temperature regulation systems, while older adults’ systems weaken with age.
Medication users: Drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications can interfere with sweating, raising heat stroke risk.
3. Warning Signs of Heat Stroke From a Sunbed
Heat stroke progresses quickly—knowing the symptoms can help you act fast. Stop using the sunbed immediately and seek emergency help if you notice:
High body temperature: Feeling extremely hot to the touch (no sweating in severe cases, as the body runs out of fluid).
Neurological symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, headaches, or seizures.
Physical discomfort: Nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath.
Skin changes: Flushed (red) skin that’s hot and dry (not cool or clammy, which is a sign of milder heat exhaustion).
4. How to Prevent Heat Stroke While Using a Sunbed
You can reduce risk by following these simple rules:
Stay hydrated: Drink 8–12 ounces of water 30 minutes before your session, and sip more afterward. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, which dehydrate the body.
Limit session time: Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended limit (usually 10–15 minutes for first-time users) and never exceed 20 minutes per session.
Take breaks between sessions: Wait at least 48 hours before using a sunbed again to let your body cool down and recover.
Check the bed’s temperature: If the sunbed feels excessively hot (e.g., the surface burns your hand), ask staff to adjust it or choose a different bed.
Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, overheated, or nauseous at any point, stop the session immediately and move to a cool, shaded area.
5. Common Myths About Sunbeds and Heat
Myth 1: “Sunbeds only use UV rays—they don’t get hot enough for heat stroke.”
Fact: Even low-wattage sunbeds generate enough heat to raise the body’s core temperature. Enclosed models trap this heat, making overheating inevitable for some users.
Myth 2: “Heat exhaustion is the same as heat stroke—just rest and drink water.”
Fact: Heat exhaustion is milder (symptoms include sweating, weakness, and cool skin) and can be treated with rest. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—delayed treatment can lead to organ damage or death.
Myth 3: “Tanning lotions with bronzers prevent heat stroke.”
Fact: Bronzers only darken the skin’s appearance—they don’t cool the body or protect against overheating. Some lotions may even trap heat, increasing risk.
Key Takeaways
Yes, you can get heat stroke from a sunbed—the enclosed heat and impaired cooling make it a serious risk.
Heat stroke is life-threatening—learn the warning signs and seek emergency help immediately if you experience them.
Prevention is simple: stay hydrated, limit session time, and listen to your body.
While sunbeds’ UV-related risks (skin cancer, aging) are more widely known, heat stroke is a critical danger that shouldn’t be ignored. Prioritize your body’s safety over a temporary tan.
If you want a quick reference to keep handy, I can create a sunbed safety checklist—including pre-session prep, warning signs to watch for, and post-session care—to help you avoid heat-related risks. Would you find that useful?