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Induction of altered states of consciousness during Floatation-REST is associated with the dissolution of body boundaries and the distortion of subjective time.

Helena Hruby, Stefan Schmidt, Justin S. Feinstein, Marc Wittmann

Scientific Reports April 23, 2024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59642-y (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Within-subject crossover design Randomized Peer reviewed
Sample size 50
Population Healthy subjects
Interventions Floatation-REST Bed-REST
Duration 60 min
Topics Altered states of consciousness
Keywords Body boundaries Floatation-rest Relaxation Time perception
Key points Floatation-REST induced greater relaxation and reduced anxiety compared to Bed-REST, with the dissolution of body boundaries mediating the anxiolytic effect.

Abstract

Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) minimizes stimulation of the nervous system by immersing subjects in an environment without sound or light while they effortlessly float in thermoneutral water supersaturated with Epsom salt. Here we investigated the relationship between altered states of consciousness (ASC) and its association with the affective changes induced by Floatation-REST. Using a within-subject crossover design, 50 healthy subjects were randomized to 60 min of Floatation-REST or 60 min of Bed-REST (an active control condition that entailed lying supine on a warm waterbed in a dark and quiet room). Following Floatation-REST, subjects felt significantly more relaxed, less anxious, and less tired than after Bed-REST. Floatation-REST also induced significantly more pronounced ASC characterized by the dissolution of body boundaries and the distortion of subjective time. The loss of body boundaries mediated the loss of anxiety, revealing a novel mechanism by which Floatation-REST exerts its anxiolytic effect.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Changes in global and thalamic brain connectivity in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness are attributable to the 5-HT2A receptor Healthy human participants 2018 Double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, cross-over study n = 24
Effective connectivity changes in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness in humans. Healthy participants 2019 Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study n = 25
Dose-related effects of salvinorin A in humans: dissociative, hallucinogenic, and memory effects. Healthy hallucinogen-using adults 2013 Double-blind, placebo-controlled study n = 8
High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens. Healthy volunteers with histories of hallucinogen use 2012 Randomized controlled trial n = 12
A placebo-controlled investigation of synaesthesia-like experiences under LSD. 2016 Within-groups placebo-controlled pilot study

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Altered states of consciousness Anxiety