In 1954, American neurologist and physician John C. Lilly designed the first sensory deprivation tank to investigate the origins of consciousness. Today, it’s easy to find a sensory deprivation tank because float centres and spas all over the world now provide what is known as float therapy.
Scientific data is the biggest contributing factor to the rising popularity of sensory deprivation tanks. According to studies, floating in a sensory deprivation tank has many health benefits for you such as better sleep. But what exactly are sensory deprivation tanks? What are the benefits and where can you experience them? Keep reading to find out!
What is a Sensory Deprivation Tank
A sensory deprivation tank is a lightproof and soundproof tank that is filled with Epsom salt water and heated to the temperature of your skin. When you are in one of these tanks, you will experience minimal sensory stimulation that allows you to relax. Sensory deprivation tanks are also known as isolation tanks, float tanks, flotation tanks, float pods and sensory attenuation tanks.
Benefits of Sensory Deprivation Tanks
When you go into a sensory deprivation tank, you undergo floatation therapy. So, why choose to enter a sensory deprivation tank and float there for 30-90 minutes? Well, probably for the following benefits:
- Boosted mental state: according to research, float therapy sessions help reduce stress, sadness and anxiety disorders. Research also indicates that optimism rises significantly after a float session. Those positive feelings help to improve your focus, creativity and even physical performance.
- Pain relief: better mental health leads to better physical health. Research has shown that a session in a sensory deprivation tank eases the sensation of extremely painful muscle aches. This is linked to a reduction in tension and a general sense of calmness that helps you to release stiff muscles.
- Enhanced learning: float therapy makes your mind hyper-suggestible by keeping your brain in a theta state wavelength. Therefore, your mind can absorb new information very deeply with fewer distractions. Flotation therapy also leads to enhanced performance in memory and recall tasks. Now you know what to do the next time you have (wink, wink).
Top 5 Places to Experience Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Now that you have a better understanding of sensory deprivation tanks and their benefits, let’s look at the top 5 places to visit.
1. Chill Space in New York
Founded in Murray Hill, this wellness centre was built to help you achieve relaxation, restoration, and regeneration. Enjoy your own private room that is soundproof and has dimmable lighting, a bathroom, and a nice sensory deprivation tank. The water at Chill Space is kept at a soothing 36 °C and simulates the fluidity of the Dead Sea.
Accommodation in New York – Booking.com
2. Float Hub in London
Located in Hackney, Float Hub is one of the top floating spas in London. The spa offers fantastic, bundled packages that provide you with deep relaxation for 60 minutes during each session. You have the option to either book one float or have 4 floats split with your pals. When you commit to using flotation tanks regularly rather than just once, the benefits become even magnified. So why not buy a package and save money?
3. Infinity Float in Leeds
Infinity Float in Leeds is a luxurious and convenient flotation option for you if you are touring the UK’s northern towns. When you visit this spa, you will enjoy the comfort of a private room while floating in a personal floatation pod. You are also able to customise your experience by altering the lighting in the pod. Another highlight of Infinity Float is its highly skilled and educated spa team, which includes a medical doctor. This makes the spa an excellent choice for getting a floatation prescription.
Accommodation in Leeds – Booking.com
4. Float On in Portland
With a total of six tanks, Float On in Portland is one of the largest float studios in the United States. Their goal is to open up floating to everyone with affordable per-float costs and fantastic monthly membership discounts. This is one of the best places in the world to experience sensory deprivation tanks. Float On also offers free floating opportunities through various creative initiatives for singers, chefs, and artists.
5. Zero Gravity Float Spa in Manchester
Let’s say you just landed in Manchester and have massive jet lag, what do you do? Book a session at Zero Gravity Float Spa of course! What separates this wellness spa from the competition is its post-float massage option. Why not get one of Zero Gravity’s many special massages for deep relaxation after spending an hour floating in your private pod? While normal flotation sessions at Zero Gravity last up to an hour, lengthier sessions are available upon request and based on availability. This makes the spa an excellent choice if you are looking for an extended sensory deprivation tank experience.
Accommodation in Manchester – Booking.com
What to Do After a Float Session
Why not go for a walk or a run after your float session? Download the Walk Run Cycle App now to discover walking, running and cycling routes in Manchester and other cities in the UK. You can also go hiking, here are the top 7 hiking trails in the UK. Have a wonderful time!
