Flotation-REST, which involves floating in an enclosed tank of buoyant saltwater to minimize sensory input, appears to reduce pain, stress, and clinical anxiety while improving athletic performance and mental well-being. A systematic review of 60 studies with 1,838 participants found limited to no effect on sleep-related disorders and smoking cessation. The evidence suggests benefits for physical and mental health, but more research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.
A systematic review of 63 studies involving 1,838 participants examined the effects of flotation-REST, a technique using a tank of buoyant saltwater to minimize sensory input. Flotation-REST was found to bring about positive effects on pain, athletic performance, stress, mental well-being, and clinical anxiety, while having limited to no effect on sleep-related disorders and smoking cessation. The review categorizes applications into nine areas and notes that more research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and identify optimal treatment protocols.