NCT05154032

Examining the Differential Effects of Traditional Float-REST on Sleep and Recovery

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (actual)
• Sponsor: West Virginia University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The objective of this research study is to assess how the implementation of Float-REST affects sleep quality, sleep structure, nocturnal physiology, subjective wellness, recovery from stressors, and resultant effects on performance and well-being.

Detailed description

Traditional flotation therapy (Float-REST; Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) uses sensory deprivation tanks that consist of a very large warm water enclosure with a high concentration of Epsom salt to create a completely buoyant environment. This, along with a combination of temperature that is kept equal to skin temperature (94 degrees), allows the participant to eliminate the gravitational effects on the body, and along with lack of sound and low to no light (depending on comfort) allows the brain and body to completely relax for augmented physical and mental recovery. Previous studies have examined the effects of sensory-deprivation tanks on both subjective (e.g., perceived stress and anxiety, self-reported muscle soreness) and objective measures of recovery (e.g., blood pressure, skill performance) though findings are incomplete and contradictory. Additionally, provided the growing understanding that sleep quality and quantity are at the forefront of ensuring optimal human performance states, compounded by the deleterious effects of high stress and anxiety on sleep, utilizing flotation therapy as a mechanism for enhancing sleep requires further investigation. To identify whether Float-REST influences sleep and related behaviors, an eight week design will be executed that comprises an initial four weeks of baseline data collections followed by four weeks of intervention application and measure. Intervention will consist of three 60 minute Float-REST sessions per week, for the first three weeks of the intervention block (weeks 5-7 of the study). Data measures include wearable device monitoring, surveys, and brief cognitive tasks that are collected at various timepoints throughout the study (intake, monthly, weekly, daily, etc.).

Conditions

• Sleep Quality

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Traditional Float-REST Therapy	Traditional Float-REST therapy uses sensory deprivation tanks that consist of a very large warm water enclosure with a high concentration of Epsom salt to create a completely buoyant environment. This, along with a combination of temperature that is kept equal to skin temperature (94 degrees), allows the participant to eliminate the gravitational effects on the body, and along with lack of sound and low to no light (depending on comfort) allows the brain and body to completely relax for augmented physical and mental recovery. The room will contain an intercom that allows participants to communicate with study personnel in the event they need assistance. Participants will undergo 60 minute sessions three times a week for 3 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-11-02
• Primary completion: 2022-11-01
• Completion: 2023-08-24
• First posted: 2021-12-10
• Last updated: 2025-04-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States