Float Tanks and Eating Disorder Recovery Research

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Floatation-REST has been studied for reducing body image disturbance and anxiety in inpatients with anorexia nervosa [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/].
A 2024 trial with 75 participants found 6-session adherence rates of 85% for pool-REST and 89% for pool-REST preferred in anxious and depressed individuals [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].
No serious adverse events were reported in trials using floatation therapy for mental health conditions [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/].
Floatation-REST is a behavioral intervention designed to reduce external sensory input to the nervous system [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Float therapy, specifically known as floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), is being explored as a non-pharmacological approach for various mental health conditions, including eating disorders. Recent research indicates that this intervention shows promise in addressing core features of anorexia nervosa, such as body image disturbance and anxiety [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/]. Studies have also investigated its safety and feasibility for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. For example, a 2024 randomized controlled trial involved 75 participants and demonstrated high adherence rates, with 85% for weekly 1-hour float sessions (pool-REST) and 89% for flexible float sessions (pool-REST preferred) over six sessions [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. Across multiple trials, floatation therapy has consistently been reported as safe, with no serious adverse events, suggesting it is well-tolerated by participants [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. This evidence supports the continued investigation of floatation-REST as a supportive tool in mental health recovery.

What is Floatation-REST and How Does it Work?

Floatation-REST, which stands for Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation, is a behavioral intervention. Its main purpose is to reduce the amount of external sensory input that reaches the nervous system [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This means limiting sights, sounds, and touch sensations that we normally experience every day. The idea is to create an environment where the brain has less information to process, potentially leading to a state of deep relaxation and altered perception.

The Science Behind Sensory Reduction

The core principle of floatation-REST is to create a controlled environment where sensory input is significantly minimized. This is typically achieved in a float tank, also known as a sensory deprivation tank. These tanks are filled with a shallow layer of water, usually about 10-12 inches deep, containing a high concentration of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). The salt content makes the water extremely dense, allowing a person to float effortlessly on the surface. The water is heated to skin temperature, blurring the line between the body and the water. The tank itself is dark and soundproof, further reducing visual and auditory stimuli.

When a person enters a float tank, they are isolated from external distractions. The body floats without effort, removing the sensation of gravity. The water temperature matches the skin, making it difficult to distinguish where the body ends and the water begins. The darkness eliminates visual cues, and the soundproofing blocks out most noise. This combination of factors leads to a state of profound sensory reduction.

Impact on the Nervous System

By attenuating exteroceptive sensory input, floatation-REST aims to influence the nervous system. Our nervous system is constantly receiving and processing information from our environment. When this input is reduced, the nervous system may shift into a more relaxed state. Prior studies in individuals with anxiety and depression have shown that even single sessions of floatation-REST can be safe and well-tolerated. These sessions were linked to an acute anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effect. This effect was observed to last for over 48 hours [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. The reduction in sensory overload may allow the brain to quiet down, potentially leading to a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in beneficial neurochemicals.

Floatation-REST as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment

Floatation-REST is being studied as a novel non-pharmacological treatment. This means it is an intervention that does not involve medication. Instead, it relies on creating a specific environmental experience to bring about therapeutic effects. The research is exploring its potential for various mental health conditions. For example, one study specifically examined its efficacy for body image disturbance and anxiety in inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/]. The goal is to find alternative or complementary treatments that can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

The feasibility of using floatation-REST as a repeated intervention has also been a key area of investigation. A randomized controlled safety and feasibility trial published in 2024 looked at this very question. The trial involved 75 individuals with anxiety and depression. Participants were assigned to complete six sessions of floatation-REST in different formats, including weekly 1-hour float sessions (pool-REST) and float sessions with flexible duration and frequency (pool-REST preferred) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. Understanding how well people adhere to and tolerate repeated sessions is crucial for determining if floatation-REST can be a practical, long-term intervention. The positive findings regarding adherence and tolerability in this trial suggest a promising future for floatation-REST in repeated use.

Can Float Therapy Help with Anorexia Nervosa?

Research has begun to investigate floatation-REST as a potential treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), specifically focusing on core symptoms like body image disturbance and anxiety. Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates among all mental illnesses. Addressing its key features with effective, non-pharmacological methods is an important area of study.

Addressing Core Features of Anorexia Nervosa

Body image disturbance and anxiety are central to the experience of individuals with anorexia nervosa. Body image disturbance involves a distorted perception of one's own body, often leading to intense fear of gaining weight and restrictive eating behaviors. Anxiety is also highly prevalent, manifesting as general worry, social anxiety, and anxiety specifically related to food, weight, and body shape. These symptoms significantly impair an individual's quality of life and hinder recovery efforts.

A study by Emily M Choquette et al. published in EClinicalMedicine in 2023 specifically examined the efficacy of floatation-REST on body image disturbance and anxiety in inpatients with AN [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/]. This research represents a significant step in understanding how sensory deprivation could impact such complex and deeply ingrained psychological symptoms. The study aimed to see if this novel treatment could offer relief where traditional methods might fall short or could be used as an adjunct therapy.

"Body image disturbance and anxiety are core features of anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. This study examined the efficacy of a novel non-pharmacological treatment, floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) on body image disturbance and anxiety in inpatients with AN," stated Emily M Choquette et al. in their 2023 publication [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/]. This quote highlights the critical need for new treatments and the specific focus of their investigation into floatation-REST.

Why Floatation-REST for Anorexia Nervosa?

The rationale behind using floatation-REST for anorexia nervosa likely stems from its ability to reduce sensory input and promote deep relaxation. For individuals struggling with AN, their minds can be highly active, often consumed by intrusive thoughts about food, weight, and body shape. The constant internal dialogue, coupled with external pressures and anxieties, can be overwhelming. By creating an environment of minimal stimulation, floatation-REST might offer a reprieve from this mental noise. For more details, see Body Image and Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa Study.

The unique environment of a float tank can provide a safe space where individuals can detach from their physical sensations and mental preoccupations. The weightlessness experienced in the high-salinity water might alter one's perception of their body, potentially challenging distorted body image thoughts. The deep relaxation induced by floatation could also help reduce general anxiety levels, which are a significant barrier to recovery in AN. Lowered anxiety might make it easier for individuals to engage in therapeutic activities, process difficult emotions, and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.

Future Directions and Limitations

While the research by Choquette et al. is promising, it is important to note that it is an efficacy trial, which is an early step in evaluating a treatment. More extensive research, including larger randomized controlled trials, would be needed to firmly establish floatation-REST as a standard treatment for anorexia nervosa.

The effectiveness of floatation-REST could also vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. It is likely that floatation therapy would be most beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for AN, alongside psychotherapy, nutritional rehabilitation, and medical management, rather than as a standalone cure. The potential for floatation-REST to improve body image and anxiety in AN patients offers a new avenue for support within the complex landscape of eating disorder recovery, addressing some of the most challenging symptoms directly.

Is Floatation-REST Safe and Tolerated?

The safety and tolerability of floatation-REST have been consistently evaluated across several studies, with positive findings. Multiple research trials have reported no serious adverse events linked to floatation therapy, suggesting it is a safe intervention for participants. Furthermore, individuals undergoing floatation-REST tend to endorse positive experiences more commonly and rate them at higher levels of intensity compared to negative ones. A 2024 trial specifically demonstrated good adherence rates across different formats of floatation-REST, further supporting its tolerability as a repeated intervention.

Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials

One of the most recent and comprehensive assessments of floatation-REST safety and feasibility comes from a 2024 randomized controlled trial involving individuals with anxiety and depression [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This study enrolled 75 participants who were randomized to complete six sessions of floatation-REST in varying formats. The primary outcome for feasibility was set at an 80% rate of adherence to the assigned intervention. The results showed excellent adherence:

For pool-REST, which involved weekly 1-hour float sessions, the six-session adherence rate was 85%. Participants completed an average (mean) of 5.1 sessions, with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.8.
For pool-REST preferred, offering flexibility in duration and frequency, the six-session adherence rate was 89%. These participants completed an average (mean) of 5.3 sessions, with an SD of 1.6.

These adherence rates surpass the 80% feasibility target, indicating that individuals are highly willing and able to complete multiple floatation-REST sessions. The study also measured tolerability through factors like study dropout rates and the duration/frequency of REST utilization. Dropout rates at the end of the intervention did not differ significantly between the treatment conditions, which is another strong indicator of tolerability.

Mean session durations also varied by format:

Pool-REST sessions averaged 53.0 minutes (SD = 12.3).
Pool-REST preferred sessions averaged 75.4 minutes (SD = 29.4).
Even the active comparator, chair-REST (weekly 1-hour sessions in a Zero Gravity chair), had mean session durations of 58.4 minutes (SD = 4.3) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Absence of Serious Adverse Events

A critical finding across multiple trials is the consistent absence of serious adverse events associated with floatation therapy. The 2024 trial explicitly stated, "There were no serious adverse events associated with any intervention" [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This is echoed in broader reviews of floatation therapy for mental health conditions. Limited evidence from two randomized controlled trials, for instance, reported no serious adverse events or negative side effects linked to the therapy [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. This consistent safety profile is a significant factor in considering floatation-REST as a viable intervention, particularly for vulnerable populations or those seeking non-pharmacological options.

"Prior studies in anxious and depressed individuals demonstrated that single sessions of floatation-REST are safe, well-tolerated, and associated with an acute anxiolytic and antidepressant effect that persists for over 48 hours. However, the feasibility of using floatation-REST as a repeated intervention in anxious and depressed populations has not been well-investigated," noted McKenna M Garland et al. in PLoS One. 2024 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. The 2024 study aimed to fill this gap, confirming the feasibility and safety of repeated sessions.

Positive vs. Negative Experiences

Participants in floatation-REST studies generally report more positive experiences than negative ones, and these positive experiences are often rated as more intense. This qualitative feedback aligns with the quantitative data on safety and tolerability. Individuals often describe feelings of deep relaxation, peace, and mental clarity. While individual experiences can vary, the overall trend suggests that the vast majority of participants find floatation-REST to be a pleasant and beneficial experience. The high adherence rates further underscore that people not only tolerate the therapy but actively choose to continue with it, suggesting they perceive tangible benefits. This consistent reporting of positive experiences contributes to the overall favorable safety and tolerability profile of floatation-REST.

What Are the Broader Mental Health Benefits of Float Therapy?

Beyond its potential role in eating disorder recovery, float therapy has shown promising, albeit limited, evidence for broader mental health benefits. Research suggests that floatation with restricted environmental stimulation therapy may help reduce anxiety and improve many of the symptoms commonly associated with anxiety disorders. These improvements can extend to physical and emotional aspects of well-being, including muscle tension, blood pressure, difficulties in emotion regulation, sleep difficulties, and even symptoms of depression.

Impact on Anxiety and Related Symptoms

The primary area where float therapy has demonstrated potential benefits is in the reduction of anxiety. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and fatigue. Limited evidence from two randomized controlled trials suggests that floatation-REST can provide some potential benefits in reducing overall anxiety levels [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. This reduction in anxiety is a significant finding, as anxiety is a pervasive issue that can impact various aspects of an individual's life. For more details, see Floatation-REST Feasibility Trial 2024.

The benefits extend beyond just subjective feelings of anxiety. Floatation therapy has also been linked to improvements in several physical and emotional symptoms that often accompany anxiety:

Muscle Tension: Many people with anxiety experience chronic muscle tension, which can lead to discomfort and pain. The weightless environment of a float tank, combined with the warmth of the water, can promote deep muscle relaxation. This physical release can contribute to a reduction in overall tension.
Blood Pressure: Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure. The profound relaxation induced by floatation-REST may help to lower blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular well-being.
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation: Anxiety disorders often involve challenges in managing and regulating emotions. The calming environment of a float tank might provide a space for individuals to become more attuned to their emotional states without being overwhelmed, potentially improving their ability to regulate emotions outside the tank.
Sleep Difficulties: Insomnia and poor sleep quality are common complaints among individuals with anxiety. By promoting relaxation and reducing mental overactivity, floatation therapy may help improve sleep patterns and overall sleep quality. Better sleep, in turn, can have a positive ripple effect on mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Depression: While the primary focus has been on anxiety, some evidence indicates that floatation therapy may also improve symptoms associated with depression. Anxiety and depression often co-occur, and interventions that alleviate anxiety can sometimes have a beneficial impact on depressive symptoms as well. The acute antidepressant effect noted in prior studies, persisting for over 48 hours, supports this potential [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Mechanisms of Action for Broader Benefits

The mechanisms through which floatation therapy exerts these broader mental health benefits are thought to be related to its ability to induce a state of deep relaxation and reduce external stimulation. When the nervous system is less bombarded with sensory input, it can shift from a state of heightened arousal (often associated with anxiety and stress) to a more parasympathetic, "rest and digest" state. This shift can lead to:

Reduced Stress Hormones: Lowering cortisol and other stress hormones.
Increased Endorphins: Promoting feelings of well-being and pain relief.
Mindfulness and Introspection: The quiet environment can encourage a state of mindfulness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which is a key component of many therapeutic approaches.
Improved Brain Wave Activity: Some theories suggest that floatation can promote theta brain waves, which are associated with deep relaxation, meditation, and creativity.

While the evidence for these broader benefits is currently limited to a few randomized controlled trials, the consistent reporting of positive outcomes and the absence of serious adverse events make floatation therapy a compelling area for further research. As more studies are conducted, a clearer picture of its full potential for various mental health conditions will emerge.

Are There Established Guidelines for Float Therapy in Mental Health?

Currently, there are no established, evidence-based guidelines or official recommendations regarding the use of floatation therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions. While research suggests potential benefits, the field is still in its early stages of developing the robust body of evidence needed for formal clinical guidelines. This means that healthcare providers do not yet have standardized protocols for when, how, or for whom float therapy should be recommended in a mental health context.

The Need for More Comprehensive Research

The absence of guidelines does not necessarily mean float therapy is ineffective or unsafe, but rather that more comprehensive and large-scale research is needed. The existing evidence, while promising, is often described as "limited." For example, a review on floatation therapy for mental health conditions specifically states, "Limited evidence from 2 randomized controlled trials suggested that floatation with restricted environmental stimulation therapy may provide some potential benefits..." [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. This indicates that while there are positive findings, the number of studies and their scope are not yet sufficient to warrant widespread clinical recommendations.

To establish guidelines, researchers typically need:

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs): These are considered the gold standard for clinical research.
Diverse patient populations: Studies should include a wide range of individuals with different mental health conditions, severities, and demographics.
Long-term follow-up: To understand if the benefits are sustained over time.
Standardized protocols: Clear guidelines on session duration, frequency, and overall treatment length.
Comparison with existing treatments: To determine if float therapy is as effective as, or more effective than, current standard care.

Without this extensive body of evidence, professional medical organizations and regulatory bodies cannot issue formal recommendations. The current research provides valuable insights into feasibility and potential efficacy, but it serves as a foundation for future, larger studies rather than a definitive basis for clinical practice.

Cost-Effectiveness and Policy Issues

Another crucial aspect missing from the current research landscape is information on the cost-effectiveness of floatation therapy for mental health conditions. The review explicitly notes, "No evidence was found on the cost-effectiveness of floatation therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions" [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. This is a significant gap because for any treatment to be widely adopted and potentially covered by insurance or public health systems, its cost-effectiveness must be demonstrated. This involves comparing the financial cost of the therapy to the health benefits it provides, often against other available treatments.

Policy issues are also intertwined with the lack of guidelines. Without clear evidence-based recommendations, it is difficult for policymakers to consider floatation therapy for inclusion in healthcare plans or to regulate its practice within the wellness industry. The absence of guidelines means that individuals interested in float therapy typically access it through private wellness centers, often paying out-of-pocket. This limits accessibility and integration into mainstream mental healthcare.

In our analysis, the current state of research suggests float therapy holds promise, particularly in areas like anxiety reduction and symptom improvement for conditions like anorexia nervosa and general anxiety. However, for it to move from a promising alternative therapy to an officially recognized and recommended treatment, more rigorous and comprehensive studies are essential, addressing both clinical efficacy and economic considerations. Until then, individuals should approach float therapy as a complementary wellness practice rather than a primary medical treatment for mental health conditions.

How Does Float Therapy Compare to Other Interventions?

When evaluating a new therapy like floatation-REST, it is important to understand how it performs not just on its own, but also in comparison to other interventions. Some research studies include "active comparators" to provide a benchmark for the new treatment's effects. This allows researchers to see if floatation-REST offers unique benefits or if its effects are similar to other forms of relaxation or sensory input reduction.

The Role of Active Comparators

An active comparator is another treatment that participants receive, which is known to have some effect, but is not the primary intervention being tested. This helps to control for the placebo effect and provides a more robust comparison than simply comparing to a no-treatment control group. In the context of floatation-REST, an active comparator might be another relaxation technique or a different method of reducing environmental stimulation. For more details, see Floatation Therapy for Mental Health Conditions Review.

For example, a 2024 randomized controlled trial investigating the safety and feasibility of floatation-REST in anxious and depressed individuals included an active comparator called "chair-REST" [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This allowed researchers to compare the experience and outcomes of floating in water with restricted environmental stimulation to simply sitting in a comfortable, relaxing chair under similar conditions.

Chair-REST as a Comparator

The chair-REST intervention in the 2024 trial involved weekly 1-hour sessions in a Zero Gravity chair. A Zero Gravity chair is designed to recline and elevate the legs above the heart, distributing body weight evenly and minimizing pressure on the spine. While it does not offer the complete sensory reduction of a float tank, it provides a very comfortable and relaxing experience that can reduce physical tension. This served as a meaningful comparison point for floatation-REST.

When we compared the adherence rates, the chair-REST group showed a six-session adherence rate of 74% [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This means that 74% of participants assigned to the chair-REST group completed all six planned sessions. The mean number of sessions completed by this group was 4.4, with a standard deviation (SD) of 2.5. In terms of session duration, the chair-REST sessions averaged 58.4 minutes, with an SD of 4.3 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Comparing Adherence and Session Duration

It is insightful to compare these figures with the floatation-REST groups from the same study:

Pool-REST (weekly 1-hour float sessions): 85% adherence, mean of 5.1 sessions (SD = 1.8). Mean session duration of 53.0 minutes (SD = 12.3) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].
Pool-REST preferred (flexible float sessions): 89% adherence, mean of 5.3 sessions (SD = 1.6). Mean session duration of 75.4 minutes (SD = 29.4) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

When we compare these numbers, we see that both floatation-REST groups had higher adherence rates (85% and 89%) than the chair-REST group (74%). This suggests that participants found floatation-REST to be highly tolerable and were more likely to complete the full course of sessions compared to the chair-REST intervention. The mean number of sessions completed was also higher for the floatation-REST groups.

The mean session durations were fairly similar for pool-REST (53.0 minutes) and chair-REST (58.4 minutes), both around the typical 1-hour mark. However, the pool-REST preferred group, which allowed for flexible duration, had a significantly longer mean session duration of 75.4 minutes. This indicates that when given the option, participants often chose to spend more time floating, further emphasizing the positive experience and tolerability of floatation-REST.

The inclusion of active comparators like chair-REST is vital for understanding the specific effects of floatation therapy. While chair-REST offers relaxation, the higher adherence and longer preferred session durations for floatation-REST suggest that the unique sensory reduction environment of floating may provide distinct benefits or a more compelling experience for participants dealing with anxiety and depression. This comparison helps to differentiate floatation-REST from general relaxation techniques and supports its potential as a unique therapeutic tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is floatation-REST?

Floatation-REST, or Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation, is a behavioral intervention designed to significantly reduce external sensory input to the nervous system [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. This involves floating effortlessly in a dark, soundproof tank filled with highly salinated, skin-temperature water. The goal is to create an environment where the brain has minimal external information to process, promoting deep relaxation and potentially altering mental states. Prior studies have shown it to be safe and well-tolerated, with acute anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects lasting over 48 hours [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Has float therapy been shown to help with anorexia nervosa?

Research has investigated floatation-REST for its potential to help with core features of anorexia nervosa (AN), specifically body image disturbance and anxiety [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936658/]. AN is a serious psychiatric disorder with high mortality rates, making the search for effective treatments crucial. While early studies, such as one by Emily M Choquette et al. in 2023, have examined its efficacy in inpatients with AN, more extensive research is needed to establish it as a standard treatment.

Are there any side effects or risks with floatation therapy?

Multiple studies have consistently reported that floatation therapy is safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events identified [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. In a 2024 randomized controlled trial involving 75 individuals, no serious adverse events were associated with any intervention, including various floatation-REST formats [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. Participants generally report positive experiences more often and with higher intensity than negative ones, indicating a favorable safety profile.

How many float sessions are typically studied in research?

Research studies on floatation-REST often involve multiple sessions to assess feasibility and sustained effects. For instance, a 2024 randomized controlled trial had participants complete six sessions of floatation-REST [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272]. Adherence rates were high, reaching 85% for weekly 1-hour float sessions (pool-REST) and 89% for flexible float sessions (pool-REST preferred). Mean session durations ranged from 53.0 minutes to 75.4 minutes, depending on the format [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843272].

Is float therapy recognized as a standard treatment for mental health?

No, float therapy is not yet recognized as a standard, evidence-based treatment with official guidelines for mental health conditions. Limited evidence from a few randomized controlled trials suggests potential benefits in reducing anxiety and improving related symptoms like muscle tension and sleep difficulties [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594333/]. However, more extensive research, including studies on cost-effectiveness, is required before formal recommendations or guidelines can be established by medical authorities.