It’s easy to think of floatation therapy as a wellness trend, but research tells a deeper story. Over the last two decades, scientists have been studying its impact on anxiety, stress, muscle tension, and overall well-being, and the numbers are hard to ignore. One of the most cited findings is that 88 percent of people felt significantly better after a float session. That includes everything from sleep and pain relief to muscle recovery and emotional regulation. The tank may be quiet, but the science is loud.
In a 2018 study published in PLOS ONE, researchers tracked the effects of a single float session on individuals dealing with stress and anxiety. They found immediate reductions in muscle tension, anxiety symptoms, and general distress. Participants walked out reporting they felt calmer, more at ease, and noticeably lighter. For something that only takes an hour, that kind of return is rare.
These effects don’t just apply to the mildly stressed. A 2024 randomized controlled trial went further and looked at people with clinical levels of anxiety and depression. Floatation therapy was not only safe, it was actually enjoyable for most participants. Adherence rates hit 85 to 89 percent — a strong number for any mental health protocol. Most said they would gladly float again.
Researchers have been trying to quantify why it works so well. A meta-analysis from 2014 reviewed 27 different floatation studies and found a consistent trend. People’s stress levels dropped, their blood pressure went down, and cortisol — the stress hormone — decreased. Beyond just physical metrics, they also reported improvements in general well-being and emotional stability. Simply put, it made people feel more like themselves again.
That’s not even counting what it does for the body. Floating isn’t just a mental reset. Studies have documented meaningful relief from physical tension too, particularly in areas like the shoulders, neck, and lower back. For those dealing with chronic tension or post-exercise soreness, it can feel like a release valve for the body.
Perhaps what’s most surprising is how long these effects last. One study found that even after a single session, cortisol levels remained lower for up to two weeks. That means an hour in the tank continues to support your nervous system and mood well beyond the float itself.
For all the buzz around floating, the science behind it is remarkably grounded. It’s not magic. It’s not escapism. It’s a physiological reset backed by real data and real people. Whether you’re a skeptic or a seasoned floater, there’s something uniquely valuable about finding stillness in a world that rarely gives it to you.
Citations
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Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H.‑W., Wohlrab, C., Simmons, W. K., Stein, M. B., Paulus, M. P., & Garland, M. M. (2018). Examining the short‑term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation‑REST. PLoS ONE, 13(2), e0190292. This study found large reductions in state anxiety (Cohen’s d > 2) and significant improvements in stress, muscle tension, pain, depression, mood, serenity, and well‑being (p < .0001) following a single float session
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Garland, M. M., Wilson, R., Thompson, W. K., Stein, M. B., Paulus, M. P., Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S. (2024). A randomized controlled safety and feasibility trial of floatation‑REST in anxious and depressed individuals. PLoS ONE, 19(6), e0286899. This trial showed that six sessions of pool‑REST were safe, well‑tolerated, and feasible with adherence rates of 85–89 % in clinical anxiety and depression populations
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Kjellgren, A., & Westman, J. (2014). Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation‑tank: A meta‑analysis. Psychology & Health.A meta‑analysis of 27 clinical trials (n = 449) reported large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≈ 1.02) for stress reduction, lowered cortisol, reduced blood pressure, and improved well‑being after flotation therapy
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Bood, S. A., Sexton, J., Kjellgren, A., Norlander, T., & Nordström, L. (2006). Effects of flotation‑REST on muscle tension pain. Pain Research and Management, 11(2), 97–103.Participants reported significant reductions in muscle tension and pain after floatation sessions
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Bood, S. A., Ost, L. G., & Kjellgren, A. L. (2007). Floatation tank effects on essential hypertension. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69(4), 303–309.A single 60‑minute session in a flotation tank significantly reduced cortisol levels, with benefits lasting up to two weeks
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van Dierendonck, D., & te Nijenhuis, J. (2005). Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress‑management tool: A meta‑analysis. Psychology & Health, 20(3), 405–412.This review found that flotation‑REST reliably reduced stress and supported self‑reported well‑being across multiple studies
