Few things will ruin a day faster than a poor night’s sleep. Not resting makes you irritable, unfocused, and sometimes altogether unpleasant to be around. Studies have shown that as many as 42% of adults deal with insomnia every single year. Our high stress, busy lifestyles contribute to the problem and make it harder than ever to rest well.
It’s astonishing how few effective treatment options there are for something so widespread. Some people try prescription or over the counter medications. Others may rely on old home remedies while some just lie down and hope for the best. As it turns out, however, there may be a naturally effective answer right under our noses.
Floating for Sleep
Floatation therapy is a form of sensory deprivation treatment. This means it removes external stimuli from your body, forcing your focus inwards and helping you relax. Our float tanks utilize nearly half a ton of Epsom salt each, so you’re extremely buoyant in the body-temperature water. The result is a sensation of weightlessness, like nothing is touching you and nothing exists aside from your suspended body.
Floatation isn’t a magic trick, however. It actually changes the way your brain is working. You see, the human mind, when awake, emits beta waves. These waves are designed to keep us alert and help us reason – but they also prevent can prevent mental relaxation when we’re trying to go to sleep.
In the peaceful environment of the float tank, those beta waves begin to change. As your mind unwinds they transform into alpha waves. Alpha waves are what your brain uses during deep states of relaxation, like when you’re falling asleep.
The changes go even further, however, as the alpha waves transform into theta waves. This final waveform is what’s responsible for vivid imagery when you’re sleeping. Theta waves allow your reasoning to relax entirely while the creative side of your brain is freed.
The result of these brain wave transformations is a deeply relaxed and refreshed feeling. It’s not a substitute for sleep, of course, but it can help clear your mind and push away all the stresses of your life. What’s even better is that the feelings last for days after your session, so you can go home and fall into bed without those buzzing thoughts refusing to stop.
If you’re struggling to go to sleep or stay asleep, come see us at the SALT FLOAT STUDIO in South Perth. The only thing you have to lose is sleepless nights!
