Overview

Flotation Therapy places the body in a low-stimulation environment — warm water, buoyancy, and minimal sensory input. By reducing external demands, the nervous system can shift away from constant activation.

How this might help

Clinical research has demonstrated significant short-term reductions in state anxiety and stress following a single Floatation-REST session, alongside measurable increases in relaxation and calmness.

Selected Research Study

• Feinstein JS et al. The elicitation of relaxation and interoceptive awareness using floatation therapy in individuals with high anxiety sensitivity. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. 2018.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040829/

Overview

The sensory-reduced environment supports deep physical and mental stillness by limiting visual, auditory, and gravitational input.

How this might help

Participants in controlled flotation studies reported increased serenity, calmness, and reductions in negative affect immediately following a session.

Selected Research Study

• Feinstein JS et al. (2018).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040829/

Overview

Floating creates a near zero-gravity environment, relieving pressure on joints and muscles while allowing the body to fully rest.

How this might help

The 2018 flotation study reported reductions in perceived muscle tension and physiological stress markers following a session, likely linked to autonomic down-regulation.

Selected Research Study

• Feinstein JS et al. (2018).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040829/

Overview

Sleep quality is closely connected to stress regulation and nervous system balance.

How this might help

Research involving stressed but otherwise healthy individuals has reported improvements in subjective sleep quality following flotation sessions.

Selected Research Study

• Kjellgren A et al. Beneficial effects of treatment with flotation-REST on stress and pain in healthy participants.2014.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4219027/

Overview

The autonomic nervous system regulates stress responses through sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) pathways.

How this might help

Research observed reductions in blood pressure and physiological arousal during flotation sessions, consistent with parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Selected Research Studies

• Feinstein JS et al. (2018).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040829/

• Garland MM et al. Safety and feasibility of repeated floatation-REST sessions in anxious and depressed individuals. PLoS One. 2024.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272/