Could You Benefit From Float Tank Therapy?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the solution might be REST — and we’re not talking about a nap.

REST is short for “restricted environmental stimulation therapy.” The meditation technique often takes place in water-filled sensory deprivation tanks, where you float in dark silence, removed from external stimuli.

The idea behind float therapy (also known as sensory deprivation therapy) is to enter a state of deep relaxation that puts your mind and body at ease to promote both mental and physical healing.

Does the concept sink or swim? Let’s find out from functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD.

What is sensory deprivation therapy?

Float therapy offers an escape from distractions that can overload your senses. When you enter a sensory deprivation tank and close the hatch, you’re sealed off from outside influences and stimuli.

“The intent is to give your mind and body a break to reset,” says Dr. Young. “You remove the clutter and noise and distractions of daily life. Everything is stripped away. It’s just you, untethered.”

The tank is dark and quiet, giving your eyes and ears a welcome rest. The chamber is filled with a shallow pool of water saturated with Epsom salt, offering buoyancy that helps you effortlessly float.

The feeling of weightlessness that comes with floating heightens that sense of detachment from the world. Essentially, it creates an environment where you’re not even bound by the laws of gravity.

“By not touching a hard surface, it helps complete that feeling of disconnect,” notes Dr. Young.

The temperature of the water and chamber is set to match your skin temperature, too, allowing you to better mesh with your surroundings.

Benefits of float therapy

So, why would you want to slip into a sensory deprivation tank and float around for 30 minutes to an hour? Well, here are a few reasons.

Gain a mental boost

Researchers in one small-scale study found that flotation therapy sessions can help decrease:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders

Another limited study showed that feelings of optimism often increase following sensory deprivation therapy. Those good vibes can work to boost creativity, focus and even athletic performance.

Dr. Young traces the positive results to just setting aside time to be mindful and in the moment.

“It’s all about breaking away and mentally resetting,” she says.

Improved sleep

A review of studies found that float therapy might help you get better ZZZs at night, with positive results maintained for up to six months after treatment.

“We’re living in a go-go-go world that never slows down,” recognizes Dr. Young. “Our focus always seems to be on what we have to do next. It’s not easy to just turn that off at night. But if you can clear your mind, it may help put sleep within reach.”

Pain relief

Feeling better mentally can translate into feeling better physically. Studies show that sessions in a flotation tank can reduce the perceived intensity of severe chronic pain from aching muscles.

Researchers attributed the results to decreased stress and an overall feeling of relaxation that soothes tense muscles.

“It’s the mind-body connection,” explains Dr. Young. “Stress can increase feelings of pain. But if you can manage that stress and keep it from spiraling, it may bring pain levels down and help you feel more comfortable.”

Reasons to avoid float therapy

If you’ve been reading this and thinking there’s no way you could spend 30 minutes to an hour inside a dark tank … well, you’re not alone. “It’s not the best idea for someone who has feelings of claustrophobia,” says Dr. Young.

Float tanks also aren’t recommended if you have:

• Open wounds or skin conditions
• An infectious disease
• A condition that causes seizures
• A history of experiencing hallucinations

Is float therapy worth trying?

Limited research shows promising results when it comes to float therapy. If you’re open to getting into a sensory deprivation tank, it seems there’s little risk in giving it a try as part of your mindfulness program.

“Meditation comes in many varieties and forms,” says Dr. Young. “Float therapy is just another option to consider.”