Sensory deprivation is one of the latest treatments for addressing a wide variety of health issues. If you suffer from muscle pain, headaches, anxiety, or stress, you may benefit from time in a float tank. Contact us to schedule a treatment or learn more about our sensory deprivation therapy.
Sensory deprivation is a technique that involves the use of a float tank to shut off access to your senses. The tank is soundproof, blocks all light, and contains about a foot of saltwater.
The saltwater increases your buoyancy, allowing you to float in the tank. Many patients describe the process as relaxing and compare it to deep meditation. It allows you to lay back and let go of any stress.
Sensory deprivation is a type of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). The first tank was developed in 1954 by a neuroscientist (John C. Lilly). He created the tank to study human consciousness.
By the 1970s, companies began producing commercial sensory deprivation tanks. Researchers started to explore the benefits of restricting the senses. Due to the popularity of float tanks, a lot of research exists to help back up the potential benefits.
Studies have found that sensory deprivation may improve:
Spending time in a float tank may also relieve pain and treat anxiety. Several studies have confirmed that sensory deprivation is effective in treating muscle pain, tension, and headaches. It may even help treat symptoms related to whiplash injuries, such as neck stiffness and pain.
A 2018 study found that spending 60 minutes in a float tank significantly reduced anxiety and improved the mood of patients with anxiety-related disorders. A previous study also found it helpful for treating generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and related symptoms, including depression and irritability.
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Early research into the benefits of sensory deprivation found that it may improve cognitive function and lead to greater concentration and focus. Participants in several studies reported entering a meditative state, allowing them to escape their worries and concerns.
Participants slowed their thought processes while in the tank. After getting out of the tank, they were clearer-headed and had more insight into their daily activities. This suggests that sensory deprivation may help improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One of the most widely reported benefits of sensory deprivation is stress reduction. When you spend 30 to 60 minutes floating in darkness, you can relax and find inner peace. The relaxed state that you achieve inside the float tank often lasts for many hours afterwards.
Reducing stress levels may help improve sleep and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
While most patients experience increased happiness and reduced stress after a sensory deprivation session, some patients experience mild euphoria. They leave the tank feeling overwhelmingly happy and more optimistic.
Surprisingly, restricting your senses may improve your athletic performance. A 2016 study of elite athletes found that sensory deprivation after intense training or competition improved psychological recovery.
The deprivation tanks allowed athletes to relax and clear their minds. The use of relaxation techniques and napping are common for elite athletes.
After intense exercise, you experience an elevated heart rate and varying emotional states, which lead to unnecessary stress. The study confirmed that sensory deprivation helps eliminate the stress connected to sports competitions and training.
One of the most widely reported benefits of sensory deprivation is stress reduction. When you spend 30 to 60 minutes floating in darkness, you can relax and find inner peace. The relaxed state that you achieve inside the float tank often lasts for many hours afterwards.
Reducing stress levels may help improve sleep and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
While most patients experience increased happiness and reduced stress after a sensory deprivation session, some patients experience mild euphoria. They leave the tank feeling overwhelmingly happy and more optimistic.
1. Eating a small meal about one hour prior to your float is ideal. This will prevent you from being distracted by hunger or overfull from a large meal. To reduce the risk of anxiety during your session, we recommend that you avoid drinking caffeine for several hours before your visit.
2. Don’t shave or wax too soon before, as the saltwater may sting irritated skin. This is also true for fresh tattoos and deep cuts or scrapes. Applying hand sanitizer to the area of skin is a good indicator of if it will sting in the float tank.
3. Our float tank is private, so you do not need a bathing suit. However, you are welcome to bring one if you’d like. If you wear contacts, get a case, your solution, and a pair of glasses, as you will need to remove them before entering the float tank.
4. You’ll need to shower before and after getting in the tank, so bring any toiletries you’d like to use.