Floating — what the research says
Floating — known in research as flotation-REST — has been studied for decades. Here are some of the key findings on stress, anxiety, sleep, pain and recovery, with links to every study.
Less stress, anxiety and depression
In a randomised trial, 65 participants floated 12 times over seven weeks. Stress, depression, anxiety and pain fell significantly, while optimism and sleep quality improved — and the effects remained four months later.
Kjellgren & Westman (2014), BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Immediate drop in anxiety after one float
50 people with stress- and anxiety-related conditions floated for one hour. A single session produced a strong reduction in anxiety and a marked improvement in mood, serenity and feelings of relaxation.
Feinstein et al. (2018), PLOS ONE
Help for generalized anxiety disorder
A randomised controlled study of 12 floats for people with generalized anxiety disorder found reduced anxiety symptoms, better sleep and less fatigue — 37% of participants were in full remission afterwards.
Jonsson & Kjellgren (2016), BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Calmer body, lower blood pressure
Floating in a high-anxiety group reduced blood pressure and muscle tension while increasing interoceptive awareness — the ability to sense the body's inner signals, like the breath and heartbeat.
Feinstein et al. (2018), Biological Psychiatry: CNNI
Relief for stress-related pain and burnout
Patients with stress-related pain and burnout floated 12 times. Pain, stress, anxiety and depression decreased, and sleep quality and optimism increased — results that lasted at follow-up.
Bood et al. (2006), International Journal of Stress Management
Reduced muscle tension pain
People with chronic muscle tension pain in the neck and back experienced lower pain intensity, less stress and better sleep after a series of floats compared to a control group.
Kjellgren et al. (2001), Pain Research & Management
Proven as a stress-management tool
A meta-analysis pooling 27 studies concluded that floating has a large effect on physiological and psychological stress markers, wellbeing and performance.
van Dierendonck & Te Nijenhuis (2005), Psychology & Health
Faster recovery for athletes
Elite athletes who floated after hard training reported less muscle soreness and better perceived recovery and mood than when they simply rested.
Driller & Argus (2016), Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Summaries are simplified for readability. Floating is a wellness practice and does not replace medical treatment — talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition.
