What Is Float Therapy—And Does It Work?
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank reduces stimuli, possibly helping you relax.
Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD
Some evidence suggests that float therapy, or sensory deprivation tank therapy, alleviates minor aches and pains, improves circulation, and reduces anxiety and stress. Still, there’s a lack of research on whether it’s effective or safe.
Float therapy, which involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank and minimizing stimuli, might be a relaxing experience. Here’s all you need to know about float therapy—including how it works, its possible benefits, and what to expect.
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What Is Float Therapy?
Float therapy involves "floating" in a water-filled sensory deprivation tank, known as a floatation or isolation tank. The goal of float therapy is to calm the mind and the body. REST is at the root of floatation therapy's efficacy. It stands for "restricted environmental stimulation therapy."
Sensory-deprivation tank therapy cuts out outside stimuli like fluctuations in:
Light
Sound
Temperature
The darkened silence might help calm and quiet your mind, possibly relieving anxiety and stress. Some evidence suggests that you become more aware of your breathing and heartbeat and your ability to control them during float therapy. As a result, you relax, which reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Related: What Is Self-Care?
How It Might Affect the Brain
A study published in 2021 noted that no studies at that time had tested the effects of float therapy on the brain. Sensory deprivation tank therapy might alleviate anxiety and stress in some people by reducing stimuli. Still, the researchers stated that there's a lack of evidence about the impact of reduced motor and sensory stimulation on the brain.
Benefits of Float Therapy
There's a lack of evidence to support float therapy's effects on mental health. More research is needed to understand how flotation therapy affects overall health, especially if used long-term.
Still, some evidence suggests that sensory deprivation tank therapy may offer benefits, such as:
Helps alleviates headaches
Improves sleep quality
May release muscle pain and tension
Might reduce depression symptoms
Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
Relieves anxiety and stress
A study published in 2018 found that people with anxiety- and stress-related disorders said their depression symptoms and pain, muscle tension, and stress levels reduced after a one-hour float therapy session. The participants reported increased feelings of happiness, relaxation, and overall well-being.
What To Expect From a Float Therapy Session
Warm water saturated with Epsom salt fills the tank, which gives the water buoyancy, allowing you to float effortlessly. The salty water is heated to match your body temperature.
You will wear a swimsuit and wax earplugs to reduce sound. The lights will be dimmed in the room with the sensory deprivation tank. You can keep the lid on the tank open, slightly closed, or completely shut once inside.
Here are some tips for your first float therapy session:
Avoid touching your face when you begin your float therapy session. The salt may irritate your eyes or get in your nose.
Breathe deeply from your diaphragm.
Do your best to return your focus to your breath if you become nervous or anxious during the float therapy session.
Find a comfortable, still position and focus on breathing slowly and intentionally.
Use mindfulness techniques to observe any fearful thoughts that may pop up while in the sensory deprivation tank. Allow them to float away.
Sensory deprivation tank therapy sessions typically last around one hour. Some flat therapy practices suggest longer sessions of 90 minutes or more.
Disadvantages of Float Therapy
Sensory deprivation tank therapy is generally safe, but more research must be done to understand the risks entirely. Some evidence suggests that some people might have hallucinations while inside a sensory deprivation tank. Hallucination may worsen anxiety and cause paranoia in some people.
Float therapy may also increase the risk of skin rashes. For example, Epsom salt may cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. Infection outbreaks have occurred in sensory deprivation tanks, though it's rare. Harmful bacteria may infect the tank if people poorly clean and inspect the device.
Who Should Avoid It
Consider talking with a healthcare provider about the benefits and possible risks of float therapy if you have the following:
Claustrophobia: Being in a sensory deprivation tank might trigger an extreme fear of enclosed spaces.
Epilepsy: There may be injury risks if someone were to have a seizure while in the sensory deprivation tank.
Hypotension (low blood pressure): Float therapy can decrease blood pressure. People with low blood pressure might consider speaking with a healthcare provider before trying float therapy.
Infections and open sores: Infection-causing microbes spread easily in warm, wet environments, such as a sensory deprivation tank. Cover open wounds or wait until they heal to avoid contracting and spreading infections.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a one-hour float therapy session will depend on your location and whether you have a spa membership. You may pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per session. Keep in mind that health insurance companies do not typically cover the cost of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches, such as sensory-deprivation tank therapy.
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A Quick Review
Float therapy might reduce anxiety and stress and enhance happiness and well-being. You might use float therapy to supplement other tools, such as mental health counseling or medication.
There's limited research on the efficacy and safety of sensory-deprivation tank therapy so it's important to consider the possible benefits and risks. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have claustrophobia, epilepsy, low blood pressure, or other health conditions before trying float therapy.
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