Flotation Tank: Sensory Deprivation Relaxation

Isolation tank, sensory deprivation tank, float tank, float pod, float cabin, flotation tank, or sensory attenuation… there are lots of names for this experience. I decided to give it a try in my quest for relaxation and calm.

Here’s an honest account of my experience and how it compares for me in the ‘relaxation rankings’.

What is a flotation tank and why would you want to do it?

In a nutshell, it’s a large pod filled with a heck of Epsom salt, which enables you to float effortlessly. More specifically, for the one I attended, it’s around half a tonne of Epsom salt. Temperature-wise it’s cooler than a bath but warmer than your local council swimming pool. The aim is to match your skin temperature as closely as possible to enhance the feeling of weightlessness.

You have the option of having the lights on or off. If you choose lights off, it’s the most profound darkness I’ve ever experienced. Living in London, with a bright street light outside my window, I am never in complete darkness. I must admit this was a bit scary for me, but more on that later.

The idea is that, free from sensory input, the muscular-skeletal system and sympathetic nervous system can begin to wind down into a state of deep relaxation and serenity, allowing the body and mind to rest, reset, and replenish.

The potential benefits

According to Floatworks, benefits may include:

• Relaxation

• Improved sleep and relief from insomnia

• Increased mindfulness

• Improved creativity

• Stress and anxiety relief

• Support for chronic pain

• A deeper connection with yourself

What does the research say?

While flotation tanks can sound a little woo-woo, there is some interesting research behind them. Flotation therapy is sometimes referred to as flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy). Studies suggest it may help reduce stress, anxiety, muscle tension, and pain, while increasing overall feelings of wellbeing.

Some research has shown that even a single session can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mood, with people reporting better sleep and a calmer nervous system in the days that follow. From a nervous system perspective, removing light, sound, gravity, and social input may allow the parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ response to take over.

It’s also worth noting that flotation can initially heighten awareness of thoughts and internal sensations. For people who are not used to silence or stillness, this can feel uncomfortable at first, which helped me understand my own experience a little better.

The tanks are filled with Epsom salt, which is rich in magnesium. Magnesium is often associated with muscle relaxation and nervous system support. While absorption through the skin is still debated, many people report feeling physically looser and deeply relaxed after floating, whether that’s physiological, psychological, or a combination of both.

A walk-through of my experience

I arrived at the venue and immediately felt impressed. Inside it was pretty plush. I was shown around the dressing area, which was well equipped with hair care items and lotions, then into a gorgeous relaxation space filled with soft pillows and a selection of herbal teas.

I was shown to my private room, which contained a large flotation tank and a spacious shower area. You’re provided with wax ear plugs and small pouches of petroleum jelly to cover any grazes or cuts. It’s recommended you float completely naked, as the salt can weigh down swimwear. This does feel a bit alien unless you’re in the habit of strolling about in the nude.

The session starts with ambient music to help ease you in. The tank feels warm-ish but not hot, and floating so effortlessly is a very unusual sensation. I pulled the lid down and closed my eyes, keeping the lights on at first. After about ten minutes the music fades out and you have the option to turn the light off.

The first time I did this I somehow ended up facing the opposite end of the tank. I panicked when I couldn’t immediately reach the handle and my heart rate went wild. Not the most relaxing start. Eventually I found a position that felt safer, lying with one hand resting on the handle. I do not think I ever fully relaxed in that first session.

For me, the session felt quite long. Unlike other meditation practices I enjoy, such as guided visualisations or sound baths, this was complete silence and darkness, leaving me alone with my busy brain. Towards the end I started to feel slightly chilly, though that may just be me, but I did keep noticing it and it was pulling me away mentally. Music plays again for the final ten minutes to help you transition back into the world.

When I got out, I had a blissful shower and felt incredibly clean. Afterwards I resisted the urge to reach for my phone and instead sat quietly in the relaxation area with an apple and cinnamon tea.

Giving it another go

After that first experience, I was keen to try again. Like most relaxation practices, I think flotation takes a bit of getting used to. I floated two more times. I felt less fearful on subsequent visits, but I did choose to keep the lights on with my eyes closed for some sessions. I really struggled with complete darkness.

My conclusions

As an overall relaxation experience, flotation tanks have many positives. It’s fully immersive and completely removes you from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It really does feel like permission to relax.

I loved everything around the tank itself, but inside the tank I personally found it hard to let go. My brain is busy, and I seem to need something to focus on, whether that’s sound, guidance, or imagery. I also did keep feeling a bit chilly….Practices like gong baths, guided meditation, or Yoga Nidra suit me better.

That said, I can completely understand how flotation could be transformative for some people. A man in the relaxation area told his friend he’d fallen asleep, which feels impossible to me, but clearly works beautifully for others.

Would I do it again? It’s not a no, but I cannot see it becoming one of my go-to practices.

Would I recommend trying it for yourself? Absolutely. Experiences of rest and relaxation are deeply personal, and sometimes the only way to know is to step inside the tank and see what happens.

As with any wellbeing practice, experiences vary from person to person, and flotation is not a replacement for medical care. But as a way to explore deep rest and nervous system downshifting, it’s certainly worth a try.