Around the world, many countries are experiencing heat like they've never experienced it before — hotter temperatures, more heat waves and longer periods of warm weather. And this trend isn't likely to slow down any time soon. But scientists say there could be a simple way for people to prepare themselves for more hot weather in the future: going to the sauna. Saunas have already been linked to several possible health benefits. Research suggests regular sauna use may support heart health, improve relaxation and reduce stress. Going to a sauna might sound like the worst thing you could do on a hot day — but that's not what scientists are recommending! The idea is that people use saunas in cooler weather to get ready for hot summers. It's thought that regular sauna use could improve your body's ability to regulate temperature, making it easier to cope in very hot weather. This isn't new information — athletes often use saunas to improve their heat tolerance before going to compete in hotter environments. Experts say this kind of heat training is usually done as part of a routine — for example, having 40 to 60 minutes of heat exposure a day, four to six days a week. Regular heat exposure can also change how people behave in hot weather. "People who are accustomed to heat pace themselves more sensibly, hydrate more consistently and recognise their own warning signs earlier," physiologist Jessica Mee told The Guardian. But the benefits may not be the same for everyone — and people with health conditions or illnesses should be careful, and should speak to their doctor first. Experts also say there's a difference between adapting to the heat and being protected from the heat. So even if people regularly use saunas, they still need to be careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. Saunas are not a replacement for staying cool, hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities during hot weather.