Some therapies described in alternative and complementary medicine claim beneficial effects on sleep. This is particularly the case with sensory isolation flotation, in which a capsule filled with water saturated with Epsom salt, at skin temperature, aims to replicate a drastically reduced state of sensory stimulation.
This discipline is supposed to reduce insomnia problems, often associated with stress, anxiety or excitement.
What does the science really say about the link between floating and insomnia?
A recent meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, entitled ‘Does flotation-rest (restricted environmental stimulation technique) have an effect on sleep?
Although the researchers note some analytical limitations in measuring sleep quality, the result is that of the 9 selected studies, floating in sensory deprivation demonstrated beneficial effects on sleep in both clinical and non-clinical samples.
In two studies, the effects were even maintained 4 or 6 months after treatment.
The study concludes that floating in sensory isolation is a promising treatment for the symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders. The researchers stress the need for more studies, especially in populations with clinically verified insomnia.
To read the full study, click here
Do you or someone you know suffer from insomnia?
Do what many of our customers are already doing with float therapy to improve their quality of life… and sleep: give up the pills and go natural!
