Sensory Deprivation Tank Therapy
Sensory Deprivation Tank Therapy

All About Sensory Deprivation Tank Therapy: What You Need to Know

A sensory deprivation tank—sometimes known as a float tank, isolation tank, or flotation tank—is a soundproof, darkened chamber filled with salt-saturated water. This type of therapy, which also goes by names like float therapy and restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), involves spending time in the tank to minimize sensory input from the outside world.

Advocates suggest that sensory deprivation tank therapy can provide a range of health benefits, such as inducing profound relaxation, alleviating anxiety and pain, enhancing sleep quality, and supporting heart health.1 However, it’s worth noting that scientific research on these purported benefits is sparse, and some of the claims made about float tanks may not be fully supported by established studies.

This article delves into the principles behind sensory deprivation therapy and considers its potential advantages and drawbacks.

What Is a Sensory Deprivation Tank?

The sensory deprivation tank, conceived in the 1950s by neuroscientist John C. Lilly, was designed to explore human consciousness. Lilly theorized that by eliminating external stimuli, he could gain a clearer understanding of brain function and challenge prevailing ideas that the brain required external input to operate effectively.

Lilly’s innovation involved a tank filled with saltwater, enabling individuals to float comfortably with their head above the surface. Initially, these tanks were fully enclosed to block out all light and sound. Today, however, modern versions can be customized to include varying levels of light, can remain open, or can feature soothing music based on personal preferences. Each tank contains about 10 inches of water at body temperature, enhanced with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to aid buoyancy.

Sessions in a sensory deprivation tank typically last around 60 minutes, though durations can vary. During a session, individuals float on their back, experiencing the absence of gravity, temperature, sound (if no music is chosen), and visual stimuli while focusing on their breathing. The overall experience is usually described as calming and soothing.

Health Advantages of Sensory Deprivation Therapy

Since its development, sensory deprivation tank therapy has gained recognition as a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), alongside treatments like acupuncture and massage. Though there are claims of various psychological and physical benefits from this therapy, further research is necessary to substantiate these claims.

Boosted Creativity
Sensory deprivation therapy is thought to enhance creativity by eliminating external stimuli, which allows for more profound access to creative thought processes. While this benefit is broadly mentioned and challenging to verify, sensory deprivation has been observed to diminish secondary thoughts, like abstract reasoning, and foster primary processes, such as intuition and creativity.

Enhanced Focus and Concentration
A key benefit of sensory deprivation therapy is its potential to improve focus and concentration. The therapy’s introspective nature, free from external distractions, may help refine mental clarity and goal-setting abilities. Preliminary studies suggest that it could be an effective complement to traditional psychotherapy.

Improved Athletic Recovery
There is some evidence suggesting that sensory deprivation therapy can assist with recovery after intense physical exertion. It appears to help with both physical recovery and the psychological stress of competition, although further research is needed to fully understand these effects.

Alleviation of Anxiety
Preliminary studies suggest that sensory deprivation therapy might be helpful for individuals suffering from anxiety. Research conducted in 2018 indicated that 90-minute float sessions could have a significant anti-anxiety effect, as evidenced by lower stress hormone levels and reduced self-reported anxiety. However, established treatments like medication and therapy remain the primary approaches, with float therapy potentially providing additional support.

Pain Management
Another claimed benefit of sensory deprivation therapy is its potential for pain relief. While some research suggests that it may increase endorphin levels, which help mitigate pain, evidence remains inconsistent. Despite general patient reports of reduced pain post-session, a review in 2014 found the data on hormonal changes to be unclear.

Cardiovascular Benefits
The relaxation induced by sensory deprivation therapy may also contribute to better cardiovascular health. Research suggests that the calming effects of this therapy could positively impact heart health and breathing, potentially improving overall cardiovascular function.

Is Sensory Deprivation Therapy a Cure?
Although there is some support for the benefits of sensory deprivation therapy, it should not be viewed as a cure for medical conditions and should not replace conventional treatments.

Increased Well-Being
Sensory deprivation therapy is associated with enhanced overall well-being. A study involving individuals with anxiety and depression found notable reductions in negative emotions and increased optimism following a session, supporting the idea that the therapy can positively affect mood.

Improved Sleep Quality
Sensory deprivation therapy is also noted for its potential to enhance sleep quality. Various studies have reported improvements in sleep and reductions in insomnia, linking these benefits to decreased stress levels.

What Are the Potential Risks of Sensory Deprivation?

Sensory deprivation therapy, like any treatment, can come with its own set of risks and potential drawbacks. It’s wise to understand these before diving into your first float session.

Hallucinations

The intense isolation experienced during sensory deprivation can sometimes lead to hallucinations, where individuals might see or hear things that aren’t real. Some studies have reported that people may experience visual distortions, such as shapes or colors. Additionally, “out of body” sensations are possible and can be either fascinating or unsettling, depending on personal perceptions.

Risk of Drowning

While rare, there is a minimal risk of drowning associated with float therapy due to its use of water. Modern floatation centers generally have safety protocols in place, including intercom systems, to help participants call for help if they feel uneasy or need support.

Skin Irritation

Another issue that may arise from float therapy is skin irritation or discomfort from Epsom salts in the water. This typically only occurs if there are existing cuts or abrasions on the skin.

What to Anticipate at a Floatation Therapy Center

When you first arrive at a floatation therapy center, a staff member will provide a brief introduction. They will explain how to operate the float pod, including how to open and close the door, and cover other important details.

Floatation sessions generally last for about an hour, but be sure to set aside extra time for changing and showering both before and after your session. Here’s what to expect during your visit:

Shower: Similar to visiting a public pool, you’ll need to take a thorough shower using shampoo and body wash before entering the float pod.

Float: After your shower, you can choose to enter the float tank either in swimwear or naked, depending on your comfort level. You can decide whether to keep the pod open or closed, and some centers may offer soft background music.

Rinse: Following your float, you will probably want to take another shower to remove any residual saltwater.

The effects of floatation therapy can be felt for up to 24 hours, with some studies indicating it might be more relaxing than traditional methods like massage or acupuncture.

The price for each session can vary, typically falling between $30 and $70 per hour depending on the location.

Assessing Whether Float Therapy Is Suitable for You

Float therapy offers numerous benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Most adults, including those who are pregnant, can safely participate. However, it’s advisable to avoid float therapy if you have:

  • Open wounds or cuts on your skin
  • Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
  • An infectious illness, such as a cold or the flu
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
  • Claustrophobia (a fear of confined spaces)
  • Intoxication from alcohol or drugs

Takeaway

Sensory deprivation tank therapy, often referred to as float therapy, involves floating in a tank or pod filled with saltwater. This approach minimizes external sensory input, allowing you to relax deeply and focus inward. Early research indicates that float therapy might help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, relieve pain, and improve sleep, among other potential benefits.

While float therapy is generally safe for most individuals, it should not be considered a primary treatment, as there is limited evidence supporting its overall effectiveness.

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