The Benefits of Floating: Why Sensory Deprivation Tanks Are Good for Your Mind

In today's fast-paced, overstimulated world, finding a way to truly unplug and relax can be a challenge. Enter sensory deprivation tanks, also known as float tanks or isolation tanks. These unique environments offer a chance to disconnect from external stimuli and experience profound relaxation and rejuvenation. But beyond just feeling good, floating in a sensory deprivation tank has been scientifically proven to benefit both mind and body in numerous ways.

What is a Sensory Deprivation Tank?

A sensory deprivation tank is a lightless, soundproof tank filled with about 10 inches of water that is heated to skin temperature (around 35.5°C)1. The water is saturated with Epsom salts, creating a dense, buoyant solution that allows a person to float effortlessly on the surface2. The combination of the buoyancy and the lack of external stimuli creates a unique environment that promotes deep relaxation.

The concept of sensory deprivation tanks was pioneered in 1954 by neuroscientist John C. Lilly3. Lilly was interested in understanding what would happen to the brain if it was deprived of external stimulation. His early tanks were vertical and entirely enclosed, but modern float tanks are typically horizontal and may have an open top.

The Science Behind Floating

Research on sensory deprivation tanks, also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), has revealed a host of benefits for both physical and mental health. One of the most well-established effects is a reduction in stress and anxiety.

A 2018 study published in the journal PLOS One found that a single one-hour session in a sensory deprivation tank significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood in 50 participants with stress- and anxiety-related disorders4. The researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) before and after the float session, and found significant reductions in all measures.

Another study, published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine in 2014, looked at the effects of repeated float sessions on 65 participants5. The participants, who self-reported having stress-related issues, underwent 12 float sessions over a period of 7 weeks. The researchers found significant improvements in stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality, as well as increases in optimism and mindfulness.

Beyond reducing stress and anxiety, sensory deprivation tanks have also been found to relieve chronic pain. A 2012 study in the journal Pain Research and Management found that floating provided significant relief for 81 patients with chronic pain6. Many of the participants also reported improvements in sleep and mood.

The pain-relieving effects of floating are thought to be due to a combination of factors, including the buoyancy of the water (which reduces pressure on joints and muscles), the warmth of the water (which promotes muscle relaxation), and the reduction in sensory input (which may help to break the cycle of chronic pain)7.

The Mental Benefits of Floating

In addition to reducing stress, anxiety, and pain, sensory deprivation tanks have been found to enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and even athletic performance.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that floating increased originality of ideas and flexibility of thought in a group of 60 university students8. The researchers suggest that the lack of external distractions in the float tank may allow for more divergent thinking and novel idea generation.

Floating has also been used by athletes as a tool for enhancing performance and recovery. A 2016 study in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that a one-hour float session significantly improved performance on a basketball free throw task and reduced muscle tension and pain in a group of 60 collegiate basketball players9.

The mental benefits of floating may be due in part to the unique state of consciousness that can be achieved in the tank. Many people report entering a meditative state or even experiencing hallucinations during a float session10. While this may sound alarming, these experiences are generally considered harmless and may even be beneficial for some individuals.

How to Try Floating

If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of sensory deprivation for yourself, there are now float centers located in many major cities around the world. A typical float session lasts 60-90 minutes and costs between £50-100.

Before your first float, it's a good idea to avoid caffeine and eat a light meal. You'll be provided with earplugs and may choose to wear a swimsuit or float nude. The water in the tank is shallow enough to sit up in if needed, and you can exit the tank at any time.

Many people find that the first few minutes in the tank can be a bit unsettling as the mind adjusts to the lack of external stimuli. It's normal for thoughts to race or for time to seem distorted. Most people find that after 20-30 minutes, the mind begins to quiet and a deep sense of relaxation sets in.

Conclusion

While sensory deprivation tanks may seem like a novel wellness trend, the science behind their benefits is well-established. From reducing stress and anxiety to relieving chronic pain and enhancing creativity, floating offers a unique way to care for both mind and body.

If you're looking for a way to unplug, de-stress, and gain a new perspective, consider giving floating a try. With regular practice, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting.

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