Float Therapy for Improving Sleep Quality

Overseen By Victor Finomore, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: West Virginia University

Disqualifiers: Claustrophobia, Seizures, Communicable diseases, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how floating in a sensory deprivation tank might improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Participants will undergo Traditional Float-REST Therapy, which involves floating in a quiet, dark tank filled with saltwater. The researchers aim to assess how this therapy affects sleep patterns, stress recovery, and daily performance. Individuals with a regular sleep schedule, no recent travel across multiple time zones, and no known sleep disorders may be suitable for the trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy for enhancing sleep and well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you should not plan to change or add any prescribed medications within 12 weeks of enrolling in the study.

What prior data suggests that Float-REST Therapy is safe for improving sleep quality?

Research has shown that Traditional Float-REST Therapy is safe and well-tolerated by participants. One study found that six sessions of floatation-REST were both feasible and safe for individuals with anxiety and depression, with no major negative effects reported. Another study found that stress, depression, and anxiety levels decreased, while sleep quality improved after using sensory isolation in flotation tanks. These findings suggest that float therapy is generally safe and may help improve sleep and overall wellness. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Traditional Float-REST Therapy for improving sleep quality because it offers a unique approach compared to standard treatments like medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. Unlike these traditional methods, Float-REST Therapy involves sensory deprivation in a float tank, which creates an environment of weightlessness and minimal sensory input. This therapy aims to reduce stress and promote relaxation naturally, potentially leading to better sleep without the side effects associated with medications. Additionally, the immersive experience of floating could offer quicker relaxation benefits, which is a promising alternative for those seeking non-pharmacological solutions to sleep issues.

What evidence suggests that Float-REST Therapy is effective for improving sleep quality?

Research has shown that Float-REST therapy, which participants in this trial will receive, can improve sleep and reduce stress. In one study, people reported better sleep and less anxiety after using sensory deprivation tanks. Another study found that participants experienced lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, along with increased optimism and improved sleep. These benefits suggest that Float-REST could be a promising method to enhance sleep and overall well-being. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 18-50 who have not traveled across multiple time zones recently, do not have fresh piercings or tattoos, no recent concussions, are not pregnant or trying to become so, don't work night shifts, and won't change their sleep patterns soon. They should be free of certain diseases and skin conditions.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals who work during the night shift or have significantly abnormal sleep schedule

You have a history of getting sick or feeling dizzy when moving around.

presenting with two or more relative contraindications

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Baseline data collection including wearable device monitoring, surveys, and cognitive tasks

4 weeks

Weekly data collection

Intervention

Participants undergo Float-REST sessions to assess effects on sleep and recovery

4 weeks

3 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sleep quality and recovery post-intervention

4 weeks

Weekly data collection

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Traditional Float-REST Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests the impact of Traditional Float-REST Therapy on sleep quality and recovery from stress. It looks at how this therapy affects participants' nighttime physiology, sense of wellness, performance in daily activities, and overall well-being.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Traditional Float-REST Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will utilize sensory deprivation tanks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

West Virginia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224670/

A systematic review of flotation-restricted environmental ... Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04628910

Examining the Differential Effects of Traditional Float-REST ... The objective of this research study is to assess how the implementation of various modern strategies for augmented recovery affect sleep quality, subjective ...

3. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.14.25325793v1.full.pdf

Experiences and Perceptions of Regular Floatation-REST ... Jonsson and Kjellgren demonstrated that participants undergoing Floatation REST experienced notable reductions in stress and anxiety levels,.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4219027/

Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation in flotation ... Results. Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for ...

5. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.29.23299203v1.full

A systematic review of Flotation-Restricted Environmental ... Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function.

6. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0286899

A randomized controlled safety and feasibility trial of floatation ... Six sessions of floatation-REST appear feasible, well-tolerated, and safe in anxious and depressed individuals.

7. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/50726?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

Examining the Differential Effects of Traditional Float-R... To assess whether traditional (Float-REST) or simulated (Dry Float) flotation therapy positively influences sleep and perceptual recovery, ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/267730317_Beneficial_effects_of_treatment_with_sensory_isolation_in_flotation-tank_as_a_preventive_health-care_intervention_-_a_randomized_controlled_pilot_trial

(PDF) Beneficial effects of treatment with sensory isolation ... Stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain were significantly decreased whereas optimism and sleep quality significantly increased for the ...