Sensory Deprivation and the Tank
The sensory deprivation tank (also called the isolation tank, flotation tank, and many other names) was invented in 1954 by John C. Lilly in order to test the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain. A sensory deprivation tank is a dark, soundproof tank filled with water. The water is maintained at skin temperature and filled with close to 800 pounds (depending on the size) of Epsom salt (for floating).
Inside the tank, “floaters” as they are called will not be able to see anything and will only be able to hear their own breath and the sound of water dripping. The head usually floats in such a way that ears are under water (further muting sound) and that the nose and mouth are well above the water, making breathing a nonissue. Since the water is the same temperature as skin, floaters will feel like they are floating on air.
Since participants will not be able to see, hear, or feel, their brain will not be taking in very much sensory data. Most people are used to taking in sensory data nonstop all day. Just looking at the room around you, there are so many shapes, colors, and items that your brain has to take in and process. When the brain doesn’t have to sort through all this data, it can do other things.
Effects of Floating
1. Health
Studies show that people who suffer from neck, back, or many other kinds of pains and who use flotation tanks experience less pain afterwards. Granted, this does not work for everyone, it doesn’t hurt to try.
2. Sleep
People who suffer from insomnia often find that flotation tanks provide the perfect environment to catch up on sleep. It is not dangerous to fall asleep in the tanks because of the large amount of salt in the water keeping participants afloat. Also, it is very difficult to roll over in a tank.
3. Relaxation
Sensory deprivation allows the mind and body to relax in ways they may never have relaxed before.
4. Meditation and Altered States of Consciousness
Some people use sensory deprivation chambers to relax in order to meditate more effectively. Also, some people find that the lack of sensory input allows their minds to work on different levels. Studies show increased theta waves in the brain, and these are often associated with lucid dreaming and out of body experiences (OOBEs) such as astral projection.
5. Highs
Sensory deprivation can alter the state of mind of participants. Some use this for the high associated with lack of sensory input. Others use drugs such as LSD, marijuana, or psychedelic mushrooms in order to compound the natural high of sensory deprivation. This is, of course, illegal in most places.
6. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Creativity
The mind works on a different level when there is a lack of sensory data to sort. Therefore, it is able to think on higher levels often with much greater creativity and reasoning skills. Much like meditation, it can make participants think about things in ways they never would have before.
Tips for Effectively Using Sensory Deprivation Chambers
1. Don’t eat or drink immediately before using—you don’t want to interrupt your session to use the bathroom.
2. Stay away from caffeine or other stimulants so you can relax more easily.
3. If you can, float naked. The lack of clothing will be more natural and less disruptive.
4. Take out contacts.
5. If you are menstruating, use a tampon.
6. If you have open sores, the salt might irritate them. Cover them.
7. Don’t shave within 12 hours of floating; the salt will burn fresh shaven skin.
8. Relax!
Sources
http://sensorydeprivationtank.com/
Glen Miller - I am currently a junior studying writing and legal studies at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. I am due to graduate in ...
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