Float Therapy for Nervous System Regulation and Cortisol Reduction

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress has become more than a buzzword—it's a biological reality with profound effects on the human body. One of the most impacted systems is the central nervous system (CNS), the command center that regulates everything from our heartbeat to our emotional state. High levels of stress can lead to prolonged elevation of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, disrupting sleep, mood, immunity, and overall well-being. Float therapy offers a unique and deeply effective approach to restoring balance.

What Is Float Therapy?

Also known as sensory deprivation or REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy), float therapy involves lying in a float tank filled with a solution of Epsom salt and water, kept at skin temperature. The tank is designed to minimize external stimuli—no light, no sound, and the sensation of weightlessness. This controlled environment allows the body and mind to reach deep states of relaxation (Feinstein et al., 2018).

How Float Therapy Influences the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, orchestrating how we respond to our environment. When under constant stress, the CNS remains in a state of heightened alert, often activating the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). Float therapy encourages a shift toward the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), enabling the body to enter a state of repair and restoration.

Research has shown that even a single float session can induce theta brainwave activity, which is associated with deep meditation and restorative sleep (Norlander et al., 1999). This state helps downregulate the overactive neural circuits associated with anxiety and stress.

Cortisol Reduction Through Floatation

Cortisol is essential for managing acute stress, but chronically high levels can lead to a host of issues including fatigue, weight gain, and weakened immune function. Studies have demonstrated that float therapy can significantly reduce cortisol levels after just one session. In a 2018 study published in the journal PLOS ONE, participants showed a marked decrease in cortisol and an increase in subjective well-being after floating (Feinstein et al., 2018).

The sensory reduction provided by float therapy removes the constant bombardment of stimuli, which in turn reduces the body’s perceived threat levels. This decrease in perceived stress allows the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis to recalibrate, lowering cortisol production naturally (van Dierendonck & Nijenhuis, 2005).

The Cumulative Benefits of Regular Floatation

While a single float can provide immediate relief, consistent sessions offer cumulative benefits. Over time, float therapy can help retrain the nervous system to maintain a more balanced baseline, enhancing resilience to future stressors. Many floaters report improved sleep, better emotional regulation, and a greater sense of calm and clarity (Kjellgren & Westman, 2014).

Final Thoughts

Float therapy isn’t just a spa indulgence; it’s a scientifically grounded method for supporting nervous system health and managing stress-related hormones. By providing a sanctuary from the sensory overload of daily life, it allows the body to reset, the mind to quiet, and the central nervous system to heal. For those looking to manage stress holistically, floatation offers a gentle yet powerful path to restoration.