studies on floating benefits—

pain relief

Float Summit 2012 in Gothenburg, Sweden

Flotation provided significant temporary reductions in pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety and sadness, as well as significant increases in relaxation, feelings of well-being, energy and ease of movement. There was also significant improvement in the quality of sleep.

Journal of Pain Research & Management, 2005

This study on 32 patients with chronic stress-related muscle pain and burnout depression (fatigue, memory problems, insomnia) found that floatation therapy is an effective and non-invasive method of treatment and should be an integral part of treatment.

Book Shelf

emotional & sleep disorders / preventative healthcare

Open Journal of Medical Psychology, 2013

A 24-year-old woman diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, atypical autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression regularly had float therapy sessions for a year and a half. Results suggest that floating may have beneficial therapeutic effects on mental health.

Journal of Psychology and Health, 2005

It has relaxation, mood, and performance-enhancing effects that seem more profound than those of other relaxation techniques. Especially in the field of burnout and chronic fatigue, floating can have practical use.

Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014

This was a study of 65 healthy subjects, half of whom were given two float sessions a week for two months. After a series of emotional and psychological tests, the researchers found that stress, depression, anxiety, and pain had significantly decreased. Optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the flotation group.

athletic performance

Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 1990

This study on basketball-playing students at the University of British Columbia found strong evidence of improvement in athletic skills after floatation therapy.

creativity

Journal of Music and Medicine, 2011

Looking to improve your musical performance skills?  In this study performed by the University of British Columbia, it was found that floatation therapy has a beneficial effect on technical ability in freely-conceived jazz improvisation.