Float Therapy for Sleep Quality

Overseen By Victor Finomore, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: West Virginia University

Disqualifiers: Kidney disease, Heart disease, Psychiatric condition, 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 two types of float therapy might improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Participants will try either traditional float therapy in a sensory deprivation tank or a dry version using a special device (simulated flotation therapy). It suits those who often feel tired or struggle with sleep, provided they haven't tried float therapy recently and don't have issues like claustrophobia or certain skin conditions. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapies that could enhance sleep and well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that both Simulated Flotation Therapy and Traditional Float-REST Therapy are generally safe. Studies have found that Float-REST, which involves lying in a sensory deprivation tank, can improve sleep, anxiety, and stress. Tested on anxious individuals, the results suggest it is safe and well-tolerated.

Simulated Flotation Therapy uses a device to create a similar experience without water, designed for ease and comfort. Although specific safety studies for this method are lacking, the technology suits many people and avoids invasive procedures. Overall, both therapies have a good safety record and might be worth considering to improve sleep or general well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer innovative approaches to improving sleep quality. Traditional Float-REST Therapy uses sensory deprivation tanks, which create an environment free from external stimuli, potentially leading to profound relaxation and improved sleep. Simulated Flotation Therapy, on the other hand, uses the Zerobody dry flotation method, which mimics the effects of a sensory deprivation tank without the need for water immersion. This makes it more accessible and less intimidating for those who may be hesitant to try traditional float therapy. These unique methods could offer new, effective options for enhancing sleep quality beyond the usual medications or behavioral therapies.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving sleep quality?

Research suggests that Traditional Float-REST Therapy, a treatment in this trial, can improve sleep by deeply relaxing the body and reducing stress. Studies have shown it can also alleviate anxiety and chronic pain, which often disrupt sleep. Specifically, one study found that this therapy significantly improved sleep quality while reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.

Simulated Flotation Therapy, another treatment option in this trial, uses the Zerobody to mimic the effects of traditional floating. Research shows that this method can enhance well-being and create a mild feeling of happiness. Both therapies in this trial have shown promise in improving sleep by providing a calming environment. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 18-60 who want to improve their sleep quality. It's not suitable for individuals taller than 76 inches, those with recent piercings or tattoos, a history of loss of consciousness or brain injury, skin conditions, certain medical devices, seizures in the last decade, weight over 250 pounds, motion sickness, communicable diseases or psychiatric conditions.

Exclusion Criteria

You have fainted or passed out within the past 6 months.

You have a skin condition that can easily spread to others.

Pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

Baseline Testing

Participants undergo baseline testing to gather initial data before starting the crossover study

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Crossover Treatment

Participants alternate between Float-REST and Dry Float in 3-week segments with a 1-week break in-between

9 weeks

2 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Simulated Flotation Therapy
• Traditional Float-REST Therapy

Trial Overview The study compares two types of floatation therapy: Traditional Float-REST Therapy where participants float in saltwater tanks and Simulated Flotation Therapy that mimics this experience without water. The goal is to see which method better enhances sleep and overall well-being.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Simulated Flotation Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will utilize the Zerobody dry flotation therapy.

Group II: Traditional Float-REST Therapy Active Control 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. starpool.com starpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Zerobody_scientific_study_promotus_whitepaper.pdf

Dry-Flotation therapy: a novel recovery strategy? In this context, several studies have shown the incidence of positive effects such as increased well-being (Mahoney, 1990), mild euphoria. (Schulz , 1994), ...

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

Experiences and Perceptions of Regular Floatation-REST ... This finding is supported by earlier studies, which have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Floatation REST in reducing symptoms of ...

4. 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... The Zerobody is a new technology designed to simulate the effects of traditional Float-REST therapy, but without the contact with salt water.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382014000845

How relaxation in flotation tanks is advertised on the Internet Also, floating was said to alleviate sleep-problems and insomnia. Floating as a treatment for insomnia has been studied with promising results in one study ...

6. starpool.com starpool.com/products/zerobody-dry-float

Zerobody Dry Float The Dry Float Therapy takes advantage of the benefits of floatation to allow body and mind to regain energy in an easy and versatile way that suits everyone.

7. 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 ...

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

A systematic review of Flotation-Restricted Environmental ... Additionally, flotation-REST was found to significantly improve sleep quality, emotional regulation, and depression symptoms. Aside from ...

9. icryo.com icryo.com/zerobody-float-bed/

Zerobody Dry Float | iCRYO | Near Me The Zerobody Dry Float Bed is a zero-gravity therapy device designed to relieve pressure on your spine and joints by supporting your body evenly in a suspended ...