Sensory Deprivation Float Therapy: An Escape from Sensation for Deep Relaxation

Sensory Deprivation Float Therapy: An Escape from Sensation for Deep Relaxation

In our perpetually 'on' world, finding a true sanctuary from constant stimulation can seem impossible. Yet, a growing number of people are turning to a unique practice known as Sensory Deprivation Float Therapy, or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), to achieve profound levels of relaxation and mental clarity.

This therapeutic practice involves floating effortlessly in a specialized, soundproof, and lightproof tank (often called an isolation or flotation tank) filled with a shallow pool of water super-saturated with Epsom salt. The experience is designed to minimize all external sensory input, offering an escape that can promote both physical and psychological benefits.

The Float Tank Experience

A typical float session lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. Upon entering the tank—usually nude—the door or hatch is closed, plunging the individual into total darkness and silence. Key elements of the environment include:

Buoyancy: The extremely high concentration of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) makes the water so dense that the body floats without effort, creating a sensation of near weightlessness. This effectively removes the strain of gravity on joints and muscles.

Temperature Control: The water and air inside the tank are maintained at skin temperature, blurring the line between where the body ends and the water begins, further reducing the sense of touch.

Sensory Isolation: The soundproof and lightproof environment removes auditory and visual distractions, allowing the brain to switch from processing external stimuli to a deeply relaxed, meditative state.

The Potential Benefits of Floating

Proponents and some preliminary studies suggest that by removing the "clutter and noise" of daily life, float therapy allows the mind and body to reset, leading to a range of potential benefits:

Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Floating has been shown to decrease levels of stress hormones like cortisol and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by inducing a deep state of relaxation.

Pain Relief: The complete unloading of the musculoskeletal system by the buoyant water can relieve chronic pain, muscle tension, and joint pressure. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like fibromyalgia or post-exercise recovery.

Improved Sleep: By calming the mind and body, float therapy can help improve sleep quality, with some individuals reporting positive results lasting for months.

Mental Clarity and Creativity: The distraction-free environment encourages the brain to enter a theta state, often associated with meditation, potentially boosting focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Is It For Everyone?

While float therapy is considered safe for most people, it's not universally suitable. Individuals who experience severe claustrophobia may find the enclosed, dark space challenging, although many centers offer options to keep a light on or the door ajar. It is also not recommended for those with open wounds, certain skin conditions, or infectious diseases.

For many, however, the sensory deprivation tank offers a unique and powerful way to disconnect from the digital age's overload, promoting a natural pathway to physical and mental rejuvenation. It is an invitation to experience true stillness, proving that sometimes, less sensation is truly more beneficial.

 

References 

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sensory deprivation tank benefits and risks. Health Essentials. Retrieved October 25, 2025

Dye, S. (2025, October 12). What is floatation therapy: Effects and benefits. The Body Lab. 

Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H. W., Wohlrab, C., Simmons, W. K., Shallenberger, K., Bauer, T., & Rudrauf, D. (2018). Examining the effects of floatation sensory deprivation on anxiety and stress-related disorders. PLOS One, 13(2), e0191028.

Hammer, S. (2024, December 30). What to expect during your float therapy experience. Pause Studio. 

Healthline. (2018, September 14). Sensory deprivation tank: Effects and health benefits. 

Kjellgren, A., & Westman, J. (2014). Flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) as a method for the treatment of stress-related illness: Randomized controlled trial study on effects on burn-out syndrome and chronic pain. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 6(6), 577–585.

Kurtzman, L. (2022, March 29). What is float therapy? Ohio State Health & Discovery. Verywell Health. (2025, April 26). Benefits and risks of sensory deprivation tank therapy.

WebMD. (2023, June 5). What are the benefits of float tanks?