Life can become busy, often making us feel overstimulated and frazzled. This past weekend was no exception for me. I arrived home sore, super tired, overstimulated, and needing some TLC. I tried a sensory deprivation tank once before, but I wasn’t convinced; ergo, the owner gave me a bonus visit. It took me a while to use the second visit since I was in no hurry. I knew if there were ever a time I’d see results, it’d be now, so I set an appointment for the next day.
What is Float Therapy?
Float therapy is a form of sensory deprivation while floating in a tank or pod filled with 800-plus pounds of magnesium sulfate, AKA high-quality Epson salt. The salt makes the water denser than your body, allowing you to float and reap the benefits of an Epson salt soak. The water is so thick with salt you might even hear salt crystals crackle while stretching if you listen close enough.
I was somewhat uncomfortable and self-conscience during my first float, not to mention buck naked to boot! My first question was, “How do I breathe in there?” I was told there is a vent at the back of the unit to let air in and if I needed I could leave the lid open for my comfort. I’m not a super claustrophobic person; however, I indeed did feel air on my face.

I removed jewelry, covered a small scratch with beeswax jelly, and inserted molded earplugs before showering, excluding conditioner. The earplugs are great for sound reduction; on the other hand, you will need to listen up when the voice calmly instructs you to lie down and relax. The head float donut is not necessary, but nice to have for the first float. I draped the dry washcloth as instructed over the inside arm of the tank just in case I had to itch my face. Saltwater stings if it gets in your eye or an open wound, and you will want to avoid shaving 12 to 24 hours before.
What to Do in a Sensory Deprivation Tank
For the first five minutes, I felt a tingling sensation on a tiny blemish I didn’t know was there. Usually, pods offer soft meditation music with controls and a calming blue light with the option to turn them off at any time. If you have practiced meditation, now is the time to tap into that frame of mind. Focusing on your breath will help you reach a meditative state to get the maximum benefit. The temperature of the water is around 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit, about the same as our skin. It’s easy to stop feeling your body, which makes it much easier to reach your relaxed state. The best way to describe this feeling is that, if I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think it was just my brain floating in the water. I’m guessing this is the feeling of an altered state, some report.
I was ready to get out after my thoughts started to bounce around at the end of the float. I didn’t focus on my breathing the second time around. There was no rhyme or reason to my thoughts; I wanted to stay longer. Most pods offer a 60-minute or a 90-minute option. Next time I may try 90 minutes.

I walked into the tank with the thought that I might fall asleep; I do not fall asleep just anywhere. If you are the type to fall asleep in the theater, dentist, or car at a drop of a hat — there’s a chance you might fall asleep while floating. I know some will question, what if. Floating takes away all pressure points off the body so you will have no reflex to flip over. However, most locations will have you sign a waiver covering several things, including recently dyed hair. Even as worn out as I was, I still did not fall asleep. Perhaps that’s just the magic of the float.
Keep in mind, very salty water can cause a lot of damage to everything it repeatedly comes in contact with. Go directly to the shower after stepping out of the tank. Take a thorough shower to wash off all salt. All the salt in my hair made it feel like I had used a whole bottle of hairspray. However, my hair was so soft after washing it.
The pod will start its recirculation routine after you exit, making it pass through the tank’s filtration and the UV disinfection system. After dressing, find a place to relax and acclimate yourself to the world around you. The salty water will make you thirsty, making this a great time to drink lots of water. The inner calm and peace afterward is known as the afterglow.
Float Therapy Benefits
- Reduced pain relief
- Aids chronic fatigue
- Helps PTSD
- Increases dopamine and endorphin levels
- Aids anxiety and depression
- Decreases blood pressure
- Helps fibromyalgia
- Aids hypertension
- Helps arthritis
- Helps athletes relax sore muscles to aid recovery
- Improved learning
- Enhanced creativity
Floating is not recommended for people with kidney disease, low blood pressure, epilepsy, any contagious diseases, open wounds, skin ulcers, or severe skin conditions. Unplug from technology, silence your phone, and avoid drinking caffeine before for maximum benefit. If your hair is dyed, the water should run clear during washing before floating.
Tonya Olson is a digital content manager for Ogden Publications’ magazine titles. She was born and raised in Northeast Kansas swimming in corn, jumping hay bales, and driving go-carts as a child. College took her to Arizona, life moved her to North Idaho, and the heart brought her home. Tonya enjoys kayaking local waters, digging in the dirt, wrangling chickens, and taking pictures of any images caught by her eye. You can find her on Instagram.
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