Studies

Floatation-REST: A Natural Path to Better Sleep

A good night's sleep is essential for health and well-being. Yet, many people struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling truly rested. Stress, worry, and muscle tension are among the most common reasons for disturbed sleep. While medications and behavioral therapies exist, many people are searching for natural, side-effect-free ways to restore healthy sleep. One promising method is floatation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique), a deeply relaxing experience that may help your body and mind find their natural rhythm of rest.In the systematic review "Does flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) have an effect on sleep?" published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (Kjellgren et al., 2020), researchers summarized the results of nine studies investigating how floating affects sleep. Their conclusion was clear: in all included studies, flotation-REST had beneficial effects on sleep, both in people with diagnosed insomnia and in those experiencing everyday sleep problems.

How Does Floatation-REST Work?

Flotation-REST takes place in a specially designed tank filled with warm water saturated with Epsom salt. The salt makes the body buoyant, allowing you to float effortlessly on the surface. The water is heated to skin temperature, and the environment is kept dark and quiet, with earplugs often used to minimize sound. The result is a near-complete reduction of sensory input—your body and mind enter a state of deep calm that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.This unique environment encourages the nervous system to shift from "fight or flight" into "rest and digest." Stress hormones drop, muscle tension releases, and breathing slows. For many, it feels like a reset button for both mind and body.

Evidence for Better Sleep

The systematic review highlighted several key findings:

Improved sleep quality: In both clinical and non-clinical samples, people reported falling asleep faster, sleeping more deeply, and waking up refreshed.

Long-lasting benefits: In some studies, improvements in sleep were still noticeable four to six months after treatment.

Support for insomnia sufferers: Even participants with chronic insomnia showed measurable improvements in sleep onset and total sleep time after floating sessions.

Accessible relaxation: Unlike meditation or yoga, flotation requires no training or ongoing practice—simply lie back in the water and let the environment do the work.

Interestingly, one study included in the review found that even with just four sessions, participants experienced lasting improvements twelve weeks later. Other research compared twelve sessions with as many as thirty-three and found both groups benefited, showing that even a limited number of floats can make a difference.

Why Floating Improves Sleep

Researchers suggest several reasons why flotation-REST may be so effective for sleep:

Deep relaxation – By reducing sensory input and physical strain, the body achieves a calm state that mirrors the early stages of sleep.

Stress reduction – Studies show that floating reduces levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, which is often elevated in people with insomnia.

Improved emotion regulation – Floating helps calm racing thoughts and reduces worry and rumination, two major barriers to falling asleep.

A natural transition to sleep – The state of consciousness during floating resembles the "hypnagogic" stage, the dreamlike state between wakefulness and sleep.

Try It for Yourself

If you're struggling with restless nights, difficulty falling asleep, or simply want to improve the quality of your rest, flotation-REST offers a science-backed, natural solution. The review by Kjellgren and colleagues shows that the benefits extend beyond the session itself, helping people feel better for weeks and even months afterward.

The best part? 

Flotation requires no effort. Unlike other relaxation techniques, there's nothing to learn or practice—just step into the tank, lie back, and allow your body to float. Within minutes, stress melts away and your system begins to reset.Experience flotation-REST for yourself, and discover how weightless relaxation can transform your nights. Sleep deeper. Wake up refreshed. Feel the difference.  

Stefan Gerleman 2025-09-17

Updating 2025-09-17