I was invited along to try floatation sessions by the Floatation Wellness Centre in Gateshead in return for a review on my blog. All opinions expressed are my own.
What is a float tank?
A float tank, also known as a floatation tank, a sensory deprivation tank, or an isolation tank, is a tank filled with 300 millimeters of Epsom salt and water heated to the outer skin temperature.
The high salt concentration of the tank makes it easy for you to float on your back with the back of your head partially underwater. Tanks tend to be large so you can stretch fully without touching its roof, floor, or walls. Even if you are very tall, heavy, pregnant or have some mobility issues, many people are able to still use them.
The float tank is also soundproof and dark when the door is fully closed (it is not a requirement but it does add to the experience). This gives you a sensory deprivation experience that will encourage you to go into a quiet, meditative state while floating. The salts in the solution will also help you with stress relief and dull your pains and aches.
Most float tank sessions last about an hour.
5 Key Benefits of Floatation Therapy
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and tension can build up quickly, making it essential to find effective ways to relax and rejuvenate both the body and mind. One wellness trend that’s gained considerable attention in recent years is floatation therapy (also known as sensory deprivation therapy). This unique experience involves floating in a specially designed tank filled with water and Epsom salts, which creates an environment that allows your body to float effortlessly. With minimal external stimuli—no light, no sound, and zero gravity sensation—it’s a deeply meditative experience. Let’s explore the top five benefits of floatation therapy and why you might want to give it a try.
1. Stress Reduction and Deep Relaxation
One of the most widely recognised benefits of floatation therapy is its powerful ability to reduce stress. When you float in a sensory deprivation tank, your brain enters a deeply relaxed state similar to the meditative and restful state achieved through years of meditation practice. The absence of external stimuli allows your nervous system to reset, reducing the levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. As a result, many people report feeling calmer and better equipped to handle daily stress after just one session. Even after my first session, I left the centre with that wonderfully refreshed and calm feeling that I used to get after swimming.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Struggling with sleep issues like insomnia or restless nights? Floatation therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality by encouraging a deep state of relaxation. The sensation of weightlessness, combined with the absence of external distractions, promotes a profound sense of calm that can carry over into your nightly routine.
For me, I will admit I was scared of getting into the tank at first. It really does have that futuristic look but the door is on pistons (so even if you do close it, a slight touch it will pop open.) I was kindly assured I didn’t need to close the door to feel the benefits. So, for the first ten minutes of my hour-long session, I sat at the door with it open until I relaxed enough to lie down and slowly turn myself around, lying my head at the other end with the door shut. It does not feel claustrophobic in the slightest.
Many floaters report better sleep and even experience fewer interruptions during the night. Since the therapy helps reduce stress and anxiety—two major culprits of sleeplessness—it can be a highly effective way to reset your internal clock and enjoy a more restorative night’s rest.
3. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
Floatation therapy offers significant physical benefits, particularly for those dealing with chronic pain or muscle tension. The Epsom salts used in the tank, which are rich in magnesium, help to reduce inflammation and ease muscle aches. The buoyancy created by the water reduces the strain on joints and muscles, promoting healing and allowing the body to recover faster from injuries. Athletes, in particular, find float therapy helpful for muscle recovery, reducing soreness after intense training sessions, and improving overall athletic performance. Now I am no athlete but I had have some aches and pains around my first and second session and I did feel a little less sore after doing it.
4. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
Have you ever experienced those “aha!” moments when you’re completely relaxed? Floatation therapy has been linked to increased creativity and improved problem-solving skills. When your brain is free from distractions, it can enter a theta brainwave state, which is often associated with creative thinking and deep reflection. Many writers, artists, and entrepreneurs use float tanks as a way to tap into their subconscious and unlock new ideas. By quieting the mind and reducing mental clutter, the therapy allows you to think more clearly and deeply.
5. Heightened Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
In a world full of constant distractions, floatation therapy can provide a rare opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level and to take an hour away from the world, completely disconnecting yourself. No phone, no one talking at you and no one demanding anything of you. It honestly was such an amazingly calm hour that went by far too quickly for my liking.
The sensory deprivation experience encourages introspection, mindfulness, and heightened awareness of your thoughts and emotions. Without external stimuli vying for your attention, you can focus inward, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and mental clarity. Many floaters describe it as a meditative experience that helps them feel more present in their day-to-day lives, improving their emotional well-being and overall mental health if used frequently. I only went for five sessions in a row but it’s something I want to do more of.
It was a really calming experience that allowed my brain to almost switch off entirely. I actually fell asleep for a few minutes towards the end and it was a very peaceful short nap. When I had my sessions, I had calming music, dim lighting in the room and mood lighting in the pod itself.
Do I recommend Floatation Therapy?
Floatation therapy offers a wide range of benefits for both the mind and body, making it a highly effective tool for stress relief, physical recovery, and mental clarity. Whether you’re looking to alleviate chronic pain, improve your sleep, or simply explore a new method of relaxation, floating provides a unique and powerful experience. If you’re curious, why not give it a try and see how it transforms your well-being? In all honesty, if I could afford to do these sessions on a weekly basis or even own one of these tanks, I would. I highly recommend you give it a try!