About Float Tanks

The history, science,

and practice of floatation.

Float Tank Solutions

Float Tank
(a.k.a. Flotation Tank, Float Room/Pod/Spa/Chamber, Isolation Tank,
Sensory Deprivation Tank, Flotation REST, Flotation Therapy)

A tub that contains a saturated solution of Epsom salt, provides

a light and sound reduced environment, and is kept at skin
temperature. This environment allows a person to float effortlessly
without external stimuli for many purposes, including meditation,
exploration, relaxation, and physical therapy.
 Introductions to a Salty Practice
Float tanks are like a perfect bathtub. They vary in size, but the typical tank is 8’ long and 5’ wide,
roughly the dimensions of a queen-size mattress. Air is allowed to freely flow in and out, and the
door never locks or latches.

Reduced Gravity
Float tanks hold about a foot of water, which is saturated with roughly 1000 lbs.
of Epsom salt. This creates a solution with a density comparable to the dead sea,
allowing a person to float on the surface about half-in and half-out of the solution.

Neutral Temperature
The temperature of the solution is kept at approximately 93-95°F / 34-35°C, the
average external temperature of the human body. This is a temperature known as
skin-receptor neutral, meaning the user loses track of where their skin ends and
the solution begins.

Light and Sound Reduced

The tanks and the rooms around them are insulated against sound and, when you
turn off the light, completely dark.

So What?
The inside of a float tank is an environment
unlike any other found on Earth. In its
purest form, it is divorced from light, sound,
temperature, and the perception of gravity.
Devices like these were initially built in the
1950’s to help scientists understand the nature
of consciousness. Researchers were initially
worried that depriving the brain of all sensation
could cause serious trauma, but the reality
couldn’t be further from the truth.
Much like the inadvertent discovery of
penicillin, the favorable effects caused by
“sensory deprivation tanks” were a total
surprise. Instead of fear and anxiety in isolation,
most people experience deep relaxation, with
physical and mental benefits that continue well
beyond the flotation experience.
Studies on flotation have been overwhelmingly
positive, and more benefits are still being
uncovered through modern research. It’s a
practice that bridges spirituality and physical
wellness, consciousness and therapy. More
people float for the first time every day as the
practice shifts ever further into the mainstream.

4
What’s in a Name?
The chambers used for flotation vary in
many ways, with a host of different monikers
and features associated with them. There
aren’t hard and fast rules on the definitions
of “tanks”, “pods”, “cabins”, or “rooms” in
regards to floating, and the names are used
Tanks
frequently have a boxy design and a
hatch-style door.
Rooms
are typically completely open and often
constructed into the building itself.
Some units come with internal liners while
others have tubs made with fiberglass or other
non-porous materials.
Float tanks, regardless of style, vary in size,
with some large enough for dual occupancy (or
“couples”) floating.
For more details on specific float tanks check out our free Tank Comparison Guide:
http://www.floattanksolutions.com/product/float-tank-comparison-chart/
interchangeably throughout the industry
depending on preference (in this guide, for
example, “float tank” is treated as a universal
term). However, here is a rough breakdown on
some of the common nomenclature:
Pods
are usually egg-shaped and have a
clamshell or half-clamshell style door.
Cabins
are commonly taller, enclosed systems
that allow entry fully upright.
All of them have a heating system for the water
and either active ventilation (with a fan) or
passive ventilation (with convection currents).
Most – not all – come with lights and internal
sound systems for comfort and to gently notify
users when their session has ended.
5
 Float Centers

Building a commercial float center isn’t as simple as throwing float tanks into rooms and charging
admission. The hypersalinity that the float tanks, and the centers, are exposed to is so caustic that,
over time, it erodes many common building materials. If a float center isn’t carefully designed, it can
require expensive repairs for water & salt damage, as well as costly upgrades to bring soundproofing
up to adequate levels.

Water & Salt Light & Sound

When the magnesium sulfate solution mixes
with common building materials (such as
concrete), it can create a chemical reaction
that rapidly breaks down otherwise resilient
structures. With materials that are even slightly
porous, it allows for the salt solution to seep in
and divide the material at the seams, causing
further damage.
As a result, float centers need to be designed
with non-porous materials for the floors
and walls that are more regularly found in
laboratory or industrial settings). This kind of
salt- and waterproofing is essential, but with an
appropriate buildout, issues with salt and water
damage are negligible.
The vast majority of float tanks are not
manufactured to be soundproof or lightproof,
requiring operators to invest in these features
for their room design.
Soundproofing, especially, can be an expensive
endeavor involving complicated construction
and high-end products. As a result, proper
waterproofing is even more important, since it
will prevent damage to these costly materials.
Lightproofing is a fairly simple process;
however, if care is not taken there can be
light bleeds that only become noticeable in an
otherwise completely dark environment, such
as inside a float tank.

6
25-30% salt by volume
Most float tanks require roughly
1000 lbs of Epsom salt (magnesium
sulfate) to be effective. Operators use
hydrometers to measure and calculate
the specific gravity, which is typically
kept at 1.25-1.30, allowing anyone to
float on the surface of the water.

At 94°F (34.3° C), a magnesium

sulfate solution reaches its saturation
point not far above a specific gravity
of 1.3. This means that any more
salt will refuse to dissolve into the
900 pounds of Epsom salt.
solution and will instead gather in
clumps at the bottom or float in
crystalline form on the surface. For
comparison, the ocean is 1.03 specific
gravity, making float tanks roughly
30% denser than ocean water.

The closest experience to a float tank that most people are familiar with is the Dead
Sea, a hypersaline lake in Israel known for its ability to keep people afloat.
The specific gravity of the Dead Sea is about 1.16 at its lowest point,
and going up to about 1.30 in its saltiest points.

7
 Common Concerns:
Is the water clean?
Floating has been around commercially for
over 40 years, and as of 2016 there are over
1,000,000 floats run every year in North
America. Even with such a large sample size,
there has never been a reported case of illness
linked to float tank use.

Commercial float tanks use a rigorous water

treatment and filtration process, typically
employing either UV+H2O2, UV+ozone, or
chlorine/bromine. Float centers have procedures
Filtration systems for Superior Float Tanks.
for cleaning float rooms, as well as doing
regular maintenance on the equipment. As for
the tanks themselves, float systems either drain, The salt itself also makes the solution a hostile
filter, and refill the salt solution or recirculate environment for most micro-organisms, and
the volume of the solution 3-5 times between studies have shown that common pathogens
users. don’t seem to thrive in the solution, with many
naturally lowering over time.

In addition, users don’t interact with the

solution as they would with the water in a pool
or hot tub. As a result, floating itself is a very
low-risk activity: there is a very predictable
bather load, people shower before and after each
float, children don’t normally use float tanks,
and, perhaps most importantly, users don’t
swallow the solution, eliminating a very large
source of aquatic health risk.

Filtration system on a Float Lab tank.

For a more detailed explanation of the risks associated with floating

as well as the best standards and practices for float tank maintenance, visit:
www.floatation.org/current-standard/

8
I couldn’t do nothing for so long!
One of the most common responses from
first time floaters is a disbelief at how quickly
the time seemed to pass. Many people end up
feeling that a float only lasts for 30-45 minutes,
or shorter.
Without sensory input, the brain loses track
of its time keeping ability, something that
otherwise feels like a constant. This happens
to first time and veteran float tank users alike.
Even after a few minutes in a sensory reduced
environment, it can be difficult to tell how
much time has passed.
Time dilation is actually fairly common in
everyday life, like when waiting in line at the
bank, reading a book, or during REM sleep.
Given that similar brain centers activate during
flotation, it’s not unexpected that a strong sense
of timelessness is associated with floating.

I’m scared of small spaces...

A major reservation first time float tank users have is claustrophobia. When offered the chance to
lay in a dark, salty box, many people suddenly remember a stifling fear of enclosed spaces that isn’t
otherwise an issue.

The simple fact that users have complete control of their environment, including the lights and how
much the door is open, means that despite floating in a relatively small space, it doesn’t trigger the
anxiety of claustrophobia. In fact, even claustrophobics with functionally debilitating symptoms have
been able to float in single occupancy tanks without any fear.

9
 The History of Floatation
1950’s – Questions
During the early 50’s there was a major inquiry
from the world of neurophysiology as to the
source of the brain’s consciousness: is the brain
simply an organ reacting to external stimuli or
is there some internal force that it sends signals
to? Prior to brain mapping and imaging, there
was very little empirical data to build theories
off of, so it was largely up to experimentation to
find out.
Several hypotheses led the discussion as to
how the brain would respond when it was void
of stimulation. Many scientists believed that
the human brain would continue to generate
stimuli, much like dreams during sleep. Others
thought it would shut down into a coma-
like state, with some believing that a lack of
stimulation on a long enough time frame would
lead to death. These ominous theories were
closely linked to the concept of “brainwashing”
practices that emerged around the time of the
Korean War.
The earliest experiments weren’t really a
deprivation of sensory input, but rather an
attempt to overload the brain. Speakers would
blast white noise, while the patients would wear
goggles that projected light directly into their
eyes, keeping them from experiencing anything
other than the loud droning and blinding light,
sometimes for hours at a time.
Eventually, it occurred to researchers that this
research condition was actually a “sensory
overstimulation” environment, and they began
studying “sensory deprivation” in dark, silent
10
rooms. The clinical process involved precautions
such as waivers outlining the psychological
dangers of the experiment (including death)
and a large panic button in the room, which
was the only way for subjects to leave the
testing environment early. The subjects were
led into the experiment room in absolute
darkness, never allowing them the opportunity
to view the layout of the room, as a result,
subjects tended to imagine any number of
horrible elements that occupied the space. In
this setting, many subjects pushed that panic
button after only a short period of time, and of
those that stayed, many reported fear, anxiety,
and paranoia while inside the chamber. Not
surprisingly, scientists attributed these to the
effects of sensory deprivation and not to the
research conditions themselves. Neuroscientist
Photo of chamber REST setup.
Dr. John C. Lilly was also deeply interested in
this idea of sensory isolation and the effects
it could have on the mind. However, he was
unsatisfied with the testing environments of
other researchers and felt that they were still
allowing for too much sensory input. For his
experiments, he decided to use a large water
tank where he could be fully submerged.
1954 – The First Tank
The isolation chambers were far from perfect,
however. They required operators to monitor
the air supply to cumbersome breathing
helmets at all times during use. The air bubbles
that were released made a persistent noise, and
some subjects were recorded as looking for
ways to motivate themselves to withstand the
research. Despite this, many participants found
great satisfaction from the unusual experiment.

Diagram for first float tank. For the next few years, Dr. Lilly and Dr. Shurley
worked together closely at the National
By 1954, Lilly had built the first sensory Institute of Mental Health, conducting research
isolation immersion tank at the National on sensory isolation inside the float tank, as
Institute of Mental Health Lab in Maryland well as engineering different designs to help
with his associate, Dr. Jay Shurley. make the flotation experience more comfortable
and effective.
Lilly and Shurley both experimented primarily
on themselves, eagerly stepping into the tank to
experience its effects. Self-experimentation in
those days was more common in the scientific
community, and the enthusiasm for this novel
environment captivated those that worked
closely with it.

Early face mask prototypes.

The results that came out of the tanks were

The first float tank at NIH.
completely unexpected. People were not
slipping into a comatose state, and instead,
Lilly’s first experiences were more similar
to deep meditation. He reported feelings of
personal discovery and self-actualization.

11
 1958-1972 – Lab Tested
After several years, the two scientists
experienced a falling out and went their
separate ways. Dr. Shurley left Maryland
to return to his lab in Oklahoma, where he
continued studying sensory isolation without
Dr. Lilly.
In 1958, Dr. Lilly left the National Institute
for Mental Health to start work in the Virgin
Islands. He was deeply interested in dolphins
and started a lab there to better understand
their behaviors and habits. Still engaging in
self-experimentation, Dr. Lilly constructed a
new version of his isolation tank, which allowed
the user to float on the surface using sea water.
It was still largely for personal use (or the
occasional academic that wanted to try it), but
for the next ten years the bulk of his academic
research would be around establishing the
foundation of human-cetacean communication.
Dr. Lilly was one of the first scientists to
recognize dolphin intelligence as more than
simple aquatic life.
In the ‘60s, LSD became popular in medical
centers and research circles, and in 1964 Dr.
Lilly began self-experimenting with it inside
his isolation tank. He found these experiments
12
deeply gratifying and ended up writing several
books that discuss his experiences. The first,
Programming and Metaprogramming in
the Human Biocomputer, came out in 1968,
followed by an autobiography, Center of the
Cyclone, four years later.
While all of this was happening, developments
were still taking place in the wider world of
sensory deprivation research. In 1961, Dr. Peter
Suedfeld took over the sensory deprivation
studies at Princeton university. He had seen the
results of participants coming out of the early
research environment and suspected that the
negative feedback could be attributed to the
laboratory conditions.
Dr. Suedfeld focused on making the rooms
for the experiments much more comfortable.
He allowed people to see the room with the
lights on, removed the panic button, and let
participants know that if they ever wanted to
leave the research environment they could
simply walk out or verbally indicate that
they wanted to leave. Remarkably, the reports
of stress, anxiety and paranoia plummeted.
The completion rate for the 24 hour studies
climbed to upwards of 95%. In fact, most of the
participants reported pleasant experiences, and
one subject even attempted to repeat the test
multiple times under different names.
1970s – New Tanks, New Terminology
Outside of clinical research, both float tanks and
sensory deprivation were practically unknown
or, at best, poorly understood. In 1971, a report
exposed that the British Government had
committed acts of illegal detention and torture
of members of the IRA. The report outlined five
techniques they used: hooding, white noise, wall
standing, sleep deprivation, and deprivation of
food and drink. These techniques were wrongly
linked to sensory deprivation studies and caused
severe controversy around the practice.
In this political climate, many researchers found
their funding pulled if it had anything to do
with supposed “torture” techniques. Because of
this, Dr. Suedfeld, along with a few colleagues,
coined the term “REST,” or “Restricted
Environment Stimulation Therapy”, to help
disassociate their work from the term “sensory
deprivation.”
At this time, Dr. Lilly was traveling the country,
sharing his tank designs outside of the scientific
community in much more casual workshop
settings. In 1972, Lilly met Glenn Perry at one
such meeting at Bear Rock in California, and
the two quickly became friends and partners.
He eventually asked Glenn and his wife Lee to
design a commercially available float tank that
people could have in their homes.
First model Samadhi tank, assembled.
Glenn Perry and Dr. Lilly worked together to
develop the tank, and they designed many of
the fundamental aspects seen today in modern
float tanks: a light proof enclosure, adding salt
to increase buoyancy, and creating an angled
hatch to help reduce condensation buildup.
They released the tank in 1973 and sold directly
to consumers, effectively kickstarting the
flotation industry. Lilly gave them the name
‘Samadhi’ for both their tank and company, a
word in Sanskrit for a state of deep awareness
achieved through meditation.
First model Samadhi tank, packaged.
The first tanks they created were manufactured
in Marvista, a suburb of Los Angeles, and
the tank frames were made out of a sturdy
cardboard. The packaging they were shipped
in even functioned as the base of the tank –
Samadhi Tank Company, from the beginning,
was focused on sustainable practices that
wouldn’t be harmful to the environment.
They filed the paperwork for their business and
began taking orders almost immediately. Within
days, they had finished five tanks with more
requests coming in. They realized they had to
ramp up production to meet demand, and soon
they had an assembly line where they could
make and ship out 6-8 tanks a day.
13
 1979 – The First Float Center
It wasn’t until 1979 that the first float center
opened: a 5-tank center in Beverly Hills run
by Samadhi. The rumor mill had been kind
to floating as a practice, and the center was an
immediate success that was quickly emulated.
Altered States, a new center named after the
now-cult film (about a man who undergoes
a deep psychological transformation after
experimenting in a float tank), opened in
Hollywood just a few miles away. Within a year,
five other float centers had opened up across the
U.S.
Susan Sarandon. The media dove in, and articles
appeared in nationally circulated publications
like Rolling Stone Magazine and The New York
Times.
Floating was a media sensation, which in turn
led to dozens of new researchers studying
its effects on stress hormones, addiction, and
the emerging field of behavioral therapy. As
research grew, these scientists began to loosely
collaborate and informally share results,
creating the beginnings of a cohesive float
research community.

Robin Williams with John Lilly.

Within a few years float centers started

to appear in every major city, and new
manufacturers started to enter the market. The
industry as a whole began to make a name for
itself. Celebrity endorsements started pouring
in, including from a very popular Robin
Williams (who at the time was known as the
zany “Mork from Ork”) and an up-and-coming The first commercial model float tank.

14
Early ‘80s – The Boom
The 80’s truly became a decade of growth for
the float industry. The Samadhi Company went
on to open a 20 tank center in San Francisco
that doubled as a showroom for their tanks, and
they were completely booked out for weeks at
a time. It was also during this time that a U.S.
Float Tank Association was formed, the first
organization to represent the flotation industry.
New research exploded as well. After learning
about some of the unusual claims made by Dr.
Lilly in The Deep Self, Drs. Thomas Fine and
John Turner at the Medical College of Ohio
started testing the float tank’s effect on stress Dr. Turner their Ovarium tank.
relief. They were the first researchers to study Meanwhile, endorsements continued to roll
biometrics from participants while they were in. The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia
inside a float tank. These new results were Eagles were both early adopters who were
incredibly exciting and led to much greater quite pleased with the benefits they found in
interest in flotation as a field of study. the tanks, and they publicly praised the use
of flotation for their players. Even Olympic
athletes started using them in their training.

Another large group of advocates was the

“hippie” subculture, who became interested
in the claims Dr. Lilly made about using the
tank while on LSD. Despite this controversial
attention, even more celebrities began
endorsing the practice. Michael Crichton used a
tank to overcome writer’s block, while George
Carlin described it as his “one true relaxation.”
The world of floating was on the rise.

Dr. Turner drawing blood during a float.

Soon to follow was the formation of IRIS (the

International REST Investigators Society), an
association that held conferences for presenting
chamber and floatation REST research. It was
headed by Drs. Peter Suedfeld, Roderick Borrie,
John Turner, Tom Fine, and several others.

The White Whale – 1st fiberglass prototype.

15
 Mid ‘80s - Hysteria and the U.S. Decline
The growth and expansion of floating was
short lived in the U.S., however, as the
industry experienced a sharp decline during
the AIDS epidemic. After it was revealed that
Rock Hudson had the disease, panic became
widespread about who could be infected, and
fear of communal water became rampant. The
pool and spa industries were hit hard, and while
pools and spas were widespread enough to
bounce back, this was not true of flotation.
As fear and uncertainty spread, fewer people
were willing to expose themselves to unfamiliar
environments, especially since it was suspected
that standing water invited the potential for
HIV infection. As revenues dropped, float
centers struggled to promote their centers,
unable to find a way back into the media’s favor.
Ultimately, nearly all of them closed down
between the 80’s and early 90’s.
Floating in the U.S. only survived through a
small handful of determined and resilient float
centers, and through avid enthusiasts who
had tanks in their homes. In other parts of the
world, floating was much less impacted and
continued to grow, even if gradually. American
manufactured float tanks were gaining
popularity in Italy, while in the U.K. and
Germany, local manufacturers began to create
their own units.
16
The Samadhi 2 float tank.
In Japan and India, float tanks started being
incorporated into the meditations of practicing
Buddhists. The Samadhi Tank Company even
designed a new tank for the growing market
in Japan called the Samadhi 2. It was their first
fiberglass design and offered more complete
light and sound reduction from the tank alone.
A similar cultural cross-section occurred in
Australia at this time. Some tourists, while
traveling through the outback, would seek out
spiritual enlightenment with local guides who
incorporated flotation into their journeys.
This placed the float tank in a unique position:
it was a device that was originally designed
to study the empirical effects of isolation on
the body, but was now used by psychonauts,
spiritualists, shamans, and devout meditators.
Each of these groups were widely criticized
by the scientific community for their health
benefit claims, and so float tanks, by association,
became at least partially viewed as another
spiritualist fad.
1990’s - Global Perspective
During the early 90’s centers in the U.S.
continued to downsize and close down, and
the industry as a whole went into a state of
dormancy. With few exceptions, new centers
just weren’t opening in North America. Even
the sports teams who were once advocates
discontinued their float tank programs by the
mid-90s.
At the same time, research was still being done
on flotation, but by the late 90’s the funding
2000’s - Regrowth
After the turn of the millennium, floating
began to make a resurgence in the United
States. With the exception of one (Space Time
Tanks in Chicago), every major U.S. float center
currently running has opened their doors after
2000.
Once again, celebrity endorsement revitalized
the industry. A very vocal Joe Rogan floated
for the first time in 2006 and immediately
began advocating their use. His podcast
offered in depth testimony to his floating
experiences, bringing in a new generation of
professional athletes and psychonauts to the
float tanks. His continued advocacy has been
one of the largest contributing factors to the
revitalization of flotation in the United States
and he is regularly cited by float centers as their
motivation for joining the industry.
Social media platforms were gaining traction
at this time as well. The earliest known group
was an incredibly active Yahoo forum in the
had dried up. In 1997, the last IRIS conference
was held in San Francisco before the society
finally disbanded.
In Canada, the U.K., and the rest of Europe,
the impact to the industry wasn’t nearly as
strong. In Montreal, a 6-tank center named
Ovarium continued to thrive, and it’s still one
of the largest centers operating to this day.
Elsewhere in Canada, in Toronto and Vancouver,
commercial float centers were finding a
dedicated following in major metropolitan areas,
allowing the industry to sustain itself.
early 2000s that served as a central hub for
information in the industry. It was the first time
that float centers could communicate with each
other across the internet, and it helped foster
the modern day float industry by giving them
a place to share ideas, offer guidance, and find
like-minded people with a similar passion for
floating.
The scientific community abroad continued
research on flotation tanks, helping remove
more of the stigma around them. While
securing funding in the U.S. was virtually
impossible, Karlstad University in Sweden
began their own studies on float tanks. To
conduct their experiments, they built a
dedicated float tank research lab, the most
advanced of its kind at the time.
17
 2010’s - 2nd Boom
The European float community didn’t
experience the same setbacks as in the U.S. did,
and continues to be a staple in the commercial
relaxation industry. At the beginning of 2010,
London had the largest float center in the
world at the time and the only laboratory
research being done was out of Sweden. The
Float Summit, the first industry gathering in
20 years, was held in London, with roughly two
dozen people in attendance from all over the
world. They saw an opportunity to revitalize
the industry and began to pool resources to find
useful ways to rebrand and market to a new
generation.
At the time, the largest centers in the U.S. only
had four float tanks, but as attention grew in
this long dormant industry, new centers began
opening up. In 2011, the second Float Summit
was held in San Francisco, nearly doubling the
number of attendees from the previous year.
Although the Float Summit is no longer active,
the Float Conference, hosted annually in
Portland, Oregon has carried on the tradition
18
The 2016 Float Conference.
of gathering the industry together to share
information and foster a community. As the
industry has grown, the Conference itself has
matched pace, starting with 165 attendees in
2012 and expanding to more than 700 people in
2016.
To match increased demand, new manufacturers
entered the scene. In the U.S. alone, the number
of float tank manufacturers rose from four in
2010 to fifteen in 2016. Internationally, the
number of manufacturers has risen to roughly
50. With so many manufacturers, many have
focused on specialized tank designs, some
incorporating an array of different features and
styles.
While there has been a significant boom in the
United States and Canada, more centers are
opening in the U.K. and Australia as well. This
new generation of float center owners come
from all walks of life, many seeing the emerging
field as an alternative to being corporate
accountants, marketers, real estate agents, etc.
The effect of this shift in perception has been
quantifiable. Each year since 2014, Float Tank
Solutions releases a State of the Industry report
surveying participating float centers and those
looking to break into the industry.
The report shows - even in a short period of
time - some very interesting trends. Both
existing and prospective centers numbers
have increased, and those that are opening are
typically larger and better funded than those
that were starting just a few years ago. There’s
also a clear increase in centers being able to find
banks willing to offer business loans, despite
being a relatively unknown industry. In 2016,
the number of centers that acquired funding
through business loans was 35%, which is more
than double the 16% that centers reported in
2014.
Along with this boom has been increased
awareness and funding for float-related
research. In 2013, Dr. Justin Feinstein opened
the Float Clinic at the Laureate Institute
of Brain Research (LIBR), dedicated to
understanding the effects of flotation therapy. It
is an incredibly advanced center, incorporating
fMRI scans before and after the floats. LIBR
is producing, by far, the most well-funded and
rigorous research to date, helping to demystify
the benefits of float tanks through controlled
studies.
Open float pool at LIBR.
19
 List of Benefits
The effects of floating have been studied in
laboratory settings since the first isolation
chamber, providing a fair amount of scientific
data on the practice. Not all health benefits are
created equal, however, and it can be difficult
to determine which are backed by research
and which are strictly hypothetical. In every
emerging wellness practice there are dozens
of far flung claims of benefits, and many float
center owners can feel like snake-oil salesmen
when explaining even the established research
on floating, due to its very unusual nature.
Some benefits are related directly to flotation
REST, some are confirmed effects of Chamber
REST (also known as “dry” REST) that may
also be a benefit of flotation, and others are
corroborated by strong anecdotal evidence and
are awaiting further research. Each benefit we
discuss is broken into those categories.

The following information is taken from over 200 research articles containing both lab experiments
and case studies, published between the 1960’s and the present. The full list can be found for free at:
http://www.floattanksolutions.com/product/free-scientific-research-list/

We want to be clear: none of the information here

should be taken as medical advice.

It is simply a compilation of observed effects in specific

people and groups. If you think that including floating
as part of your treatment or therapy may be helpful,
please talk to your doctor first.

20
Stress Relief
Float REST Research
Perhaps the most well known effect of flotation
is a reduction in stress from pre- to post float.
This effect was first discovered in the early 80s
by researchers at the Medical University of
Ohio, Drs. Thomas Fine & John Turner (Turner,
John W., 1983). Since their discovery, the effects
of floating have been studied on many stress
related conditions (McGrady, Angele, Turner, John W.,
Fine, Thomas H., 1987), including hypertension (high
blood pressure) (Turner, John W., 1983), and tension
headaches (Rzewnicki R., 1990), a reduction in plasma
cortisol (Turner, John W., Fine, Thomas H., 1991).
A 2005 meta-analysis confirmed these findings
by studying the effects of flotation REST across
27 studies with a total of 449 participants. The
analysis showed that the impact flotation REST
had on physiology, well-being, and performance
was significant and, in some cases, it was
even more effective than other popular stress
management techniques. It also found that
healthy people who floated regularly experienced
greater benefits the longer they kept up the
practice (Dierendonck, 2005).
As recently as 2016, studies from Dr. Annette
Kjellgren at the Swedish Research Center
have corroborated this evidence with self
reporting, finding that flotation is generally
very therapeutic for those with stress disorders
(Jonsson, Kjellgren, 2016). It should be noted that this
is one of the few research studies done so far on
Float REST with a clinical population.
Scientific reports have also indicated significant
increases in mood (Kjellgren, Anette, 2003) (Ewy G.,
Sershon P., Freundlich T.,) and reductions in insomnia
(Ballard E.,1993).
Chamber REST Research
The link between Chamber REST and stress is
a complicated one. In the earliest experiments,
chamber REST was seen as comparable to other
sensory deprivation studies that were studying
brainwashing and torture techniques. Because
of this, the practice was widely associated with
severe distress. Many researchers saw this as a
consequence of sensory deprivation in general and
not just of the testing environment. (Solomon, 1957).
In 1969, Dr. Suedfeld studied the variables
involved in these early REST studies and found
that there was a direct correlation to how the
REST environment was presented and whether or
not it was considered stressful (Suedfeld, P., 1969).
A 1982 pilot study incorporated biofeedback for
hypertension and other stress-related health
problems. It found that across four subjects there
was universal improvement in all areas when
chamber REST was combined with relaxation
training (Suedfeld, 1982).
In 1990, Dr. Suedfeld compiled an analysis of
chamber REST studies, attempting to isolate which
variables caused stress, hallucinations, and other
unpleasant side effects. What he found across
studies was that both the testing environments
and the definitions of negative effects were
inconsistent. He found that hallucinations were
irregularly reported, and that they were often
over-emphasized by the studies. Perhaps most
strikingly, he found that studies that provided
an open and friendly environment had sharply
reduced reports of stress within the REST chamber
(Suedfeld, 1990). His conclusion was that negative
stress was more likely an attribute of how the
researchers presented the testing environment, as
opposed to the environment itself.
21
 Anecdotal Evidence (Stress Relief)
Stress relief is easily one of the most common reasons that people cite for regular floating. Many
customers at float centers go in specifically to unwind and de-stress. Many regular users across the
globe find floating in the tank helpful in dealing with high-stress jobs, getting through breakups and
divorces, and to just get a night away from the kids.
Pain Reduction
Float REST Research
Some of the more exciting developments in
Float REST research are on its effects on pain
management and pain reduction. Some of
the earliest research done in the 80s and 90s
found significant results on Float REST and
rheumatoid- and osteoarthritis (Turner, DeLeon, Fine,
1993).
The Float REST research lab at Karlstad
University in Sweden has spent years studying
the effects of Float REST on different pain
disorders. A 2007 study looked at clinical
populations with fibromyalgia and depression,
they were treated using a combination of float
REST and psychotherapy (Åsenlöf, K., Olsson, S., Bood,
S. Å., & Norlander, T., 2007). They performed a series
of Float REST studies on stress-related pain
(Kjellgren, 2003), as well as the efficacy of regular
float therapy (Bood, 2007).
Chamber REST Research
On its own, chamber REST is not known to
help with pain management. The only relevant
study seems to be one that shows an increase in
hypnotizability, in which Dr. Arreed Barabasz
used chamber REST in conjunction with
hypnosis for pain control (Barabasz, 1982).
22
Anecdotal Evidence Supported
Pain reduction has been a cornerstone of the
float experience. Many regular users have
adopted floatation as their primary means of
pain relief for chronic pain symptoms, some
even using it to wean off of prescription
medication.
Float centers have had customers using their
tanks for pain management for decades,
demonstrating not only regular decreases
in pain, but also reduced inflammation, pain
control for post-surgery recovery, phantom
limb syndrome, and other persistent issues.
Using a float tank as treatment can be
preferable, since the alternatives can sometimes
come with severe and undesirable side effects.
In 2013, Dr. Rod Borrie, a psychologist and
researcher with 40 years experience in the
field, championed the cause of research Float
REST as a treatment for fibromyalgia. His
preliminary research has shown that regular
float tank use has benefited fibromyalgia
patients significantly. Since then, he has led
the fibromyalgia flotation project (http://
fibromyalgiaflotationproject.com/), which
has accumulated data from participating float
centers and fibromyalgia patients all over the
world.
Improved Mental Health
Float REST Research
The limited studies on anxiety and depression
have been corroborated as recently as 2016
(Jonsson, Kristoffer; Kjellgren, Anette, 2016). There have
also been several studies on burnout depression
and using Float REST as treatment. Burnout
is typically caused by overwork, and can cause
employees to lose productivity and morale.
With Float REST, the research shows that
employees can rehabilitate faster and return to
work sooner (Kjellgren, A., 2010).
Chamber REST research on clinical populations
started in the 60s, and the benefits were
supported for flotation REST in the 90s by
Drs. Pudvah and Rzewnicki. Although their
study was a relatively small sample size, it built
off well established research and was able to
identify a reduction of depressive symptoms in
healthy samples (Pudvah M.B. & Rzewnicki R., 1990).
There have also been case studies that have
looked at pre- and post-float effects on clinical
persons. One, out of Karlstad University,
researched a single woman with ADHD,
Asperger’s, and Depression. They found that 19
float sessions in the span of a year had a drastic
improvement on the woman’s quality of life,
reducing her symptoms to manageable levels
(Edebol, 2009).
Chamber REST Research
Chamber REST studies on clinical populations
were extremely popular in the 60s. Several
researchers created isolation rooms to study
the benefits on schizophrenia and obsessive-
compulsive disorder, among other illnesses
(Azima, H., Vispo, R.; Azima, F.J., 1961). Most of this
work was done at mental institutions that have
largely been dismantled – those that are still
around no longer do research.
In the 70s and 80s, Chamber REST was used to
help alleviate the symptoms from autism (Maier,
W.J., 1970)(Suedfeld P. & Schwartz G., 1980). The studies
were done using lengthy treatment times, and
some cases were up to 48 hours. The studies
found that during severe tantrums, autistic
children responded favorably to chamber REST
environments and would “cool-down” once the
session was over.
Anecdotal Evidence Supported
This field of research is ever widening, and
more recently has begun to show promising
results in several new areas, such as eating
disorders. There are ongoing studies with small
populations that have used flotation therapy for
bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
PTSD treatment is an area gaining a lot of
attention in the float world right now, as there
is a desperate need for effective treatment and
overwhelming anecdotal support to show that
flotation can be an effective tool. Navy SEALs
have shown in private military research that
floating can help with recovery from hyper-
vigilance in a matter of days; if left untreated,
hyper-vigilance can persist in some soldiers for
months or even years.
Many anecdotal reports also show
improvements from people who have used
flotation as a treatment for mental health
issues such as anorexia nervosa, PTSD, and
generalized anxiety disorder to name a few.
23
 Physical Recovery and Training
Float REST Research
In the 1980s, IRIS began delving into the
effects of REST on professional level athletes
(Stanley J., Mahoney M., & Reppert S., 1982)(Lee, A. B. &
Hewitt, J., 1987).Given the substantial benefits
on clinical populations, researchers thought
it was worth investigating the benefits on
physically fit individuals. What they found was
literally “game changing.” They saw a marked
improvement in tennis players that were
already considered “plateaued,” meaning they
gained no significant benefit from additional
training. This performance increase was nearly
immediate and lasted for several days (McAleney,
P. J., Barabasz, A. & Barabasz, M., 1990).
Other studies have also shown improved
reaction time (Wagaman J. & Barabasz A., 1993),
improved marksmanship in rifle shooting
(Barabasz, A., Barabasz M., Bauman J., 1993) and
archery (Norlander, T., 1999), as well as shortened
injury recovery time (Lee, A. B. & Hewitt, J., 1982).
Visualization, creating an environment
where athletes can visualize the competition
and actually “see” themselves winning,
has shown great results in a float tank over
control environments (Lee, A. B. & Hewitt, J., 1987).
Furthermore, visualization in a float tank
is more effective than in other relaxation
environments (Suedfeld, 1990).
The effects aren’t just psychological, however.
Biometric studies have shown that there’s a
reduction in lactic acid buildup (Morgan, P. 2013). In
a recent study of extreme athletes (those who
competed on an international level in a wide
range of sporting events), Dr. Driller found
that when they used Float REST during the
competitive season, along with napping during
the treatment, the participants had less muscle
24
soreness and an improved mood state compared
to controls (Driller, 2016).
Chamber REST Research
While Chamber REST research hasn’t
shown the same level of impact on physical
performance that Float REST has, it does still
provide an opportunity for athletes to practice
visualization techniques and offers high level
improvement in already skilled subjects (Stanley
J., Mahoney M., & Reppert S., 1982).
A 1993 study tested students in rifle
marksmanship and dry REST. While the control
group showed consistent marks before and
after, the REST group showed significantly
increased marks for 9 out of 12 subjects. The 3
that didn’t improve admitted to either falling
asleep or engaging in fantasies unrelated to
marksmanship inside the chamber (Barabasz, 1993).
Anecdotal Evidence
Professionals in a wide range of industries
have used float tanks to aid physical recovery.
In the 80s and 90s, the Dallas Cowboys and
the Philadelphia Eagles each had float tanks to
improve players’ recovery time. Steph Curry
of the Golden State Warriors said that floating
played a big role in the performance that earned
him a unanimous MVP title in the 2015-2016
season. The Chicago Cubs and the New England
Patriots have float tanks in their training rooms,
both installed when those teams won the World
Series and the Superbowl, respectively.
Several MMA fighters have found float tanks
to be beneficial for their training process. Many
of whom have been introduced to the practice
through Joe Rogan, who is an announcer and
prominent figure in the MMA world.
Enhanced Creativity
Float REST Research
In 1987, the University of British Columbia
performed a research study on psychology
professors who self-reported their own
creativity. The tests were performed before and
after floating, and they rated their ideas in a
blind sampling 6 months later. The study found
that professors came up with more ideas after
floating, and that those ideas were generally
more creative (Suedfeld, P., 1987).
Into the 90s, while commercial floating was
on the decline, research was still analyzing
the benefits of flotation therapy, including
improved memory (Peter Suedfeld & Eric Eich, 1995)
and critical thinking skills (Norlander, T., Bergman, H.,
& Archer, T., 1995).
Studies were done with improved methodology
at the Swedish Research Center in 2001,
showing a marked change in post-float brains
in the areas of consciousness, cognition,
imagination, and personality (Norlander, T., Kjellgren,
A., & Archer, T., 2001). These were exciting findings
that corroborated the earlier study results.
In 2011, a study looking into the effects of
flotation REST on jazz improvisation was
conducted by Drs. Vartanian and Suedfeld.
They found, in a controlled double blind
study on music students, that technical skill
in jazz improvisation showed a significant
improvement in post-float versus pre-float
environments (Vartanian,Oshin & Suedfeld, Peter, 2011).
Chamber REST Research
At the onset of REST research, there was a host
of tests done on cognitive abilities and creative
problem solving. Using early sensory isolation
chambers, studies were done to see how
participants performed on a variety of tasks
before and after being exposed to the REST
environment. Many tests found mixed results,
with decreases, increases, and no changes as
a result of chamber REST experiments on
cognitive abilities. This is likely due to the poor
testing conditions and uncontrolled variables
(Fuerst, K. and Zubek, J. P., 1968) (Zubek, 1973).
Anecdotal Evidence Supported
In addition to the studies done on enhanced
creativity, there have been many personal
experiences from floaters and artists who have
used the practice to help with their creative
process. Many have used it to overcome writer’s
block, to find inspiration, or work through a
difficult aspect to their work.
A large number of float centers have working
relationships with artists, displaying artwork
created through floating in the hallways and
lobbies of their centers. It’s so common, in
fact, that nearly all centers have journals and
sketchbooks filled with drawings, poems, and
prose from their customers.
25
 Women’s Health
Float REST Research
Flotation has shown demonstrable results in
easing some of the symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome, including regulating mood and
easing pain from cramps. Dr. Goldstein
conducted a study with 18 participants across
3 groups. It found that women who floated
during their PMS cycle experienced a reduction
in severity in symptoms, but not in frequency
(Goldstein, 1990). Basically, the PMS symptoms
don’t go away, but they become much more
manageable.
Drs. Barabasz and Barabasz replicated these
benefits three years later They used three
groups, one that floated prior to menstruation,
one during, and one control that didn’t float.
The two groups that did float had a sharp
decrease in discomfort from their monthly
cycles, with the benefits extending to months
after their last float (Barabasz, A. F. and
Barabasz, M., 1993).
Chamber REST Research
Prior to the 1980s, women’s health wasn’t
studied like it is today. Since nearly all Chamber
REST studies took place prior to that, there
is no known literature on Chamber REST,
or its benefits, for pregnancy, menopause, or
premenstrual syndrome.
26
Anecdotal Evidence Supported
While formal scientific studies haven’t been
performed, there have been many examples of
women floating through pregnancy. This allows
them to do things that being pregnant normally
prevents, like laying on their bellies and not
feeling their child weighing down their back.
The founders of The Heritage Birth Center in
Alaska found flotation to be so effective for
their clients that they opened up their own
float center in an effort to provide the service
to pregnant women. The center has seen many
pregnant women reporting a drastic reduction
in persistent issues like back and neck pain, as
well as generalized anxiety. Women have also
reported that they feel more connected to their
baby, since it’s possible to hear their heartbeat
and feel their movements more acutely while
floating (Kirsten Gerrish & Lena Kilic, 2016).
Addiction
Float REST Research
Unfortunately, the research into the benefits
from float REST on addiction have been
extremely limited. Some early studies looked
to replicate the benefits from Chamber REST,
but only used 45-60 minute sessions, as opposed
to the 24 to 48 hour treatment sessions in
Chamber REST studies (Forgays, D., 1987). The
flotation REST studies did not produce the same
results as Chamber REST studies, and didn’t
find significant addiction management benefits.
In a 1990 study, Dr. Suedfeld found it clear
that, as yet, there hasn’t been any conclusive
effect on smoking cessation with Float REST
(Suedfeld, P. 1990).
Chamber REST Research
Chamber REST studies for issues like addiction
have been around since the early 70s. In
conjunction with regular REST therapy,
studies have shown dramatic improvements in
smoking cessation (J.A. Best, 1977)(Suedfeld,
P. Baker, B., 1987), alcohol use (Adams, H. B.,
1987), and even narcotics (David B., 1997).
The environment seems to not only curb the
desire for certain substances, but to also help
in mitigating withdrawal symptoms for even
severe addiction.
Dr. Suedfeld extensively researched this
throughout the years. In a comparison study
over 15 years, he found that across more
than 20 studies, Chamber REST has shown
to have a significant impact on patients who
cease smoking after using the chambers and
substantially reduces the relapse rate, unlike
other treatments (Suedfeld, P. 1990).
It should be noted that the duration of these
chamber studies was between 24 and 48 hours,
and the efficacy of the benefits is likely tied
to the prolonged duration of being within the
Chamber REST environment.
Anecdotal Evidence Supported
Many suffering from opiate addiction have used
flotation therapy to mitigate the symptoms of
withdrawals, improving the recovery process
and reducing the likelihood of relapse. It’s been
so effective, in fact, that several former addicts
have become involved in the float community,
emphasizing its importance in their recovery.
There have been dozens of programs through
float centers to help with addiction, some even
working directly with halfway houses and
treatment support groups.
In Lives of John Lennon, Albert Goldman shares
multiple stories about the famous musician’s
battles with drug addiction, as well as his use of
his personal Samadhi float tank to overcome it.
27
 Future and Current Research

In 2015, Dr. Justin Feinstein opened the Float

Clinic and Research Center (FCRC) at the
Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. The FCRC’s mission is to investigate
the effects of Floatation REST on both body
and brain, as well as explore its potential as a
therapeutic treatment for promoting mental
health and healing in patients who suffer from
anxiety. The laboratory has developed wireless
physiological sensors for measuring a range
of signals during the actual float experience
including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure,
and EEG brain waves.

The institute is also home to two state-of-

the-art MRI scanners, providing the first
opportunity for researchers to discover how
the float experience alters patterns of brain
connectivity and activation. The FCRC has
also recently commenced research with clinical
populations including patients with PTSD,
Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized
Anxiety, Major Depression, and Anorexia
Nervosa. This work is still in its early stages
and we will continue to update our reference
section as new studies are accepted for
publication in peer-reviewed scientific and
medical journals.

28
What Does it all Mean?
Our goal with this guide is to be informative and
objective, without getting overly technical. If you found
it useful, please feel free to share this information
around. If you would like to know more or if you have
questions that our resources don’t cover, please contact
us directly. No question is too small – the answer could
even appear in an update to this guide.

Although we tried to make this the “definitive

primer” on flotation, the industry is still young and is
constantly evolving. The most up-to-date information
can be found on our blog at floattanksolutions.com/
blog, where much of the information found in this
guide was originally published.

Thank you for reading, and, as always, float on!

Graham Talley
and the whole Float Tank Solutions Crew

29
 Works Cited
Stress

Float REST Research

1. Turner, J., Hormones and REST: A Controlled Study of REST-Assisted Relaxation, Paper
delivered at First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation, Denver. Colorado,
1983

2. Koula, G., Jacobs G.D., Kemp J.C., Keane K.M.& Belden A.D., A Preliminary Clinical
Outcome Study on a Hospital Based Stress Management Program Utilizing Flotation REST
Biofeedback, 1985

3. McGrady, A., Turner, J., Fine, T., Effects of Biobehaviorally-Assisted Relaxation Training
on Blood Pressure, Plasma Renin, Cortisol, and Aldosterone Levels in Borderline Essential
Hypertension, Clinical Biofeedback and Health, Volume 10, 1987

4. Rzewnicki R., Wallbaum A.B.C., Steel H. & Suedfeld P., REST for Muscle Contraction
Headaches: A Comparison of Two REST Environments Combined with Progressive Muscle
Relaxation Training, Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary.
pp.245-254. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press., 1990

5. Turner, J., Fine, T., Restricting environmental stimulation influences levels and variability of
plasma cortisol, Journal of Applied Physiology 70(5): 2010-2013, 1991

6. Schulz, P. and Kaspar, C., Neuroendocrine and psychological effects of REST in a flotation
tank, Biological Psychology 37 p. 161-175, 1994

7. Dierendonck, D., Nihenjuis, J., Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy

(REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis, Psychology and Health June, 2005

8. Jonsson, K.; Kjellgren, A., Promising effects of treatment with flotation-REST (restricted
environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD): a randomized controlled pilot trial, http://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.
com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1089-x, 2016

Chamber REST Research

9. Solomon, P., Leiderman, P., Mendelson, J., Donald, W., Sensory Deprivation: A Review, The
American Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 114, Issue 4, October 1957, 357-363

10. Suedfeld, P. Sensory deprivation stress: Birth order and instructional set as interacting
variables, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 11(1), Jan 1969, 70-74

30
 11. Suedfeld, P., Roy, C., Landon, P., Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy in the
Treatment of Essential Hypertension, Behavioral Restricted Therapy, Vol. 20, 1982

12. Suedfeld, P., Distress, No Stress, Anti-Stress, Eustress: Where Does REST Fit In?, 1990

Pain Reduction

Float REST Research

13. Turner, J.; DeLeon, A.; Gibson, C.; Fine, T., Effects of Flotation REST on Range Motion,
Grip Strength and Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Clinical and Experimental Restricted
Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 297-306, 1993

14. Kjellgren, A., Relaxation in a floatation tank brings peace and quiet, increased well-being and
reduced pain, The Swedish Research Council 05.11.2003, 2003

15. Åsenlöf, K., Olsson, S., Bood, S. Å., & Norlander, T., Case studies on fibromyalgia and
burn-out depression using psychotherapy in combination with flotation-REST: Personality
development and increased well-being, Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 2007

16. Bood, S. Å., Sundequist, U., Kjellgren, A., Nordström, G., & Norlander, T, Effects of
REST(Restricted Environmental Stimulation technique) on Stress related muscle pain: Are 33
flotation sessions more effective than 12 sessions?, Personality and Behaviour, 35, 143-156,
2007

Chamber REST Research

17. Barabasz, A. F., Restricted environmental stimulation and the enhancement of hypnotizability:
pain, EEG alpha, skin conductance and temperature responses, International Journal of
Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 30, 147-166., 1982

Improved Mental Health

Float REST Research

18. Pudvah M.B. & Rzewnicki R., Six Months in the Tank: The Long-Term Effects of
Flotation Isolation on State Anxiety, Hostility and Depression, Restricted Environmental
Stimulation:Research and Commentary. pp. 79-85, 1990

19. Kjellgren, A., Psychotherapeutic Treatment in Combination with Relaxation in a Flotation

Tank: Effects on “Burn-Out Syndrome”, The Qualitative Report Volume 15 Number 5,
September, 2010

31
 20. Jonsson, K.; Kjellgren, A., Promising effects of treatment with flotation-REST (restricted
environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD): a randomized controlled pilot trial, http://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.
com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1089-x, 2016

Chamber REST Research

21. Azima, H., Vispo, R.; Azima, F.J., Observations on anaclitic therapy during sensory
deprivation., In P. Solomon, P E. Kubzansky, P. H. Leiderman, J. H. Mendelson, R. Trumbull
& D. Wexler, Eds., Sensory Deprivation, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, pp. 143-
160., 1961

22. Maier, W.J., Sensory Deprivation Therapy of an Autistic Boy, American Journal of
Psychotherapy, Vol. 25, pp. 228-245, 1970

23. Suedfeld P. & Schwartz G., Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) as a
Treatment for Autistic Children, Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, vol. 4,
#3, 196-201, 1980

Anecdotal Evidence
24. Edebol, H., Enhanced independence and quality of life through treatment with flotation-REST
of a patient with both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome:
a case report, Cases Journal, 7 July 2009, http://casesjournal.com/casesjournal/article/
view/6979

Physical Recovery and Training

Float REST Research

25. Lee, A. B. & Hewitt, J., Using visual imagery in a flotation tank to improve gymnastic
performance and reduce physical symptoms., International Journal of Sport Psychology, 1987

26. McAleney, P. J., Barabasz, A. & Barabasz, M., Effects of flotation restricted environmental
stimulation on intercollegiate tennis performance, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1990

27. Suedfeld, P., Flotation REST and Imagery in the Improvement of Athletic Performance,
Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 12, 82-85, 1990

28. Norlander, T., Primary Process in Competitive Archery Performance: Effects of Flotation
REST, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 11, 194-209, 1999

29. Barabasz, A., Barabasz M., Bauman J., Restricted environmental stimulation technique
improves human performance: rifle marksmanship, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 76, 867-873,
1993

32
 30. Wagaman J. & Barabasz A., Flotation REST and Imagery in the Improvement of Collegiate
Athletic Performance: Basketball, Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental
Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp.87-92. New York: Springer-Verlag New
York Inc, 1993

31. Morgan, P., The acute effects of flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique on
recovery from maximal eccentric exercise, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Exercises,
Dec. 27, 2013

32. Driller, M., Flotation REST and napping on mood state and muscle soreness in elite athletes: A
novel recovery strategy?, Performance Enhancement & Health, August 18, 2016

Chamber REST Research

33. Stanley J., Mahoney M., & Reppert S., REST and the Enhancement of Sports Performance:
A Panel Presentation and Discussion, 2nd International Conference on REST. pp.168-183.
Toledo, Ohio: IRIS Publications., 1982

34. Barabasz, A., Barabasz M., Bauman J., Restricted environmental stimulation technique
improves human performance: rifle marksmanship, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 76, 867-873,
1993

Enhanced Creativity

Float REST Research

35. Suedfeld, P., Metcalfe, J. & Bluck, S., Enhancement of scientific creativity by flotation REST
(Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique), Journal of Environmental Psychology
(1987) 7, 219-231, 1987

36. Norlander, T., Bergman, H., & Archer, T., Effects of flotation REST on creative problem solving
and originality, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18, 399- 408, 1990

37. Suedfeld, P. & Eich, E., Autobiographical Memory and Affect Under Conditions of Reduced
Environmental Stimulation, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 1995

38. Norlander, T., Kjellgren, A., & Archer, T., The experience of flotation-REST as a function of
setting and previous experience of altered states of consciousness, Imagination, Cognition and
Personality, 2001

39. Vartanian, Oshin & Suedfeld, P., The effect of the floatation version of restricted
environmental stimulation technique (REST) on Jazz Improvisation, Music and Medicine,
October 2011 3(4), p. 234-238, 2011

33
 Chamber REST Research
40. Fuerst, K. and Zubek, J. P., Effects of sensory and perceptual deprivation on a battery of open-
ended cognitive tasks, Canadian Journal of Psychology, 22, 122-130, 1968

41. Zubek, J., Behavioral and Physiological Effects of of Prolonged Sensory and Perceptual
Deprivation: A Review, Man in Isolation and Confinement, 1973

Women’s Health

Float REST Research

42. Barabasz, A. F. and Barabasz, M., The effects of consecutive floats and their timing on
premenstrual syndrome, 1993

Anecdotal Evidence
43. “Kirsten Gerrish & Lena Kilic - Float Conference 2016”. 11:03. Posted by Float Conference,
November 22, 2016, https://youtu.be/g9oZhbSMtSQ

Addiction

Float REST Research

44. Adams, H. B., Studies in REST: Arousability and the nature of alcohol and substance abuse,
Report for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, 1987

Chamber REST Research

45. J.A. Best, Satiation and sensory deprivation combined in smoking therapy: Some case studies
and unexpected side-effects, International Journal of Addiction, Vol. 12, pp. 337-359, 1977

46. Forgays, D., Flotation REST as a smoking intervention, Department of Psychology, University
of Vermont, 1987

47. Suedfeld, P., Restricted Environmental Stimulation and Smoking Cessation: A 15-Year
Progress Report, The International Journal of the Addictions, August, 25(8), 861-88, 1990

48. David B., A Pilot Test of REST as a Relapse Prevention Treatment for Alcohol and Drug
Abusers, 1997

Anecdotal Evidence
49. Goldman, A., The Lives of John Lennon, Chicago Review Press, 1988

34
floattanksolutions.com