Floating 101
Your Guide to the Science and Experience of Floating
Your Guide to the Science
and Experience of Floating
New to floating? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about float therapy, from the science behind it to what to expect during your first session at Float Forty One.
What is Float Therapy?
Float therapy, also known as R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique), involves floating effortlessly in a solution of water and Epsom salt in a specially designed environment that minimizes sensory input.
At Float Forty One, our float environments contain approximately 10 inches of water with over 1,000 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), creating a solution so dense that your body floats effortlessly on the surface—regardless of your size, shape, or physical ability.
The water is maintained at skin-receptor neutral temperature (93.5°F), creating a boundary-less experience where you can no longer feel where your body ends and the water begins. This unique environment creates the perfect conditions for deep relaxation, nervous system regulation, and enhanced recovery.
What is Float Therapy?
The Science Behind Floating
Float therapy’s benefits are backed by decades of scientific research. Here’s what happens in your body and brain during a float session:
Reduced Sensory Input
The float environment dramatically reduces external stimuli (light, sound, temperature gradients, and gravitational pressure), allowing your nervous system to enter a rare state of deep rest. Research shows this reduction in sensory input decreases activity in the reticular activating system, the part of your brain responsible for alertness and attention to stimuli.
Altered Brain Wave Activity
EEG studies show that floating induces theta brain wave states—the same brain waves present during deep meditation and just before falling asleep. This theta state is associated with enhanced creativity, problem-solving abilities, and deep relaxation while maintaining consciousness.
Reduced Cortisol Levels
Multiple studies have demonstrated significant reductions in cortisol (the primary stress hormone) during and after float sessions. This hormonal shift creates a cascade of positive effects throughout the body, including reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and enhanced recovery.
Magnesium Absorption
The high concentration of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) in the float solution allows for transdermal absorption of magnesium, an essential mineral that many people are deficient in. Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is vital for muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation, and cellular energy production.
Parasympathetic Activation
Floating activates the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") branch of the autonomic nervous system while simultaneously reducing sympathetic ("fight or flight") activity. This shift is measurable through heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and blood pressure changes, all of which indicate a profound state of physiological relaxation.
Benefits of Regular Floating
Research and client experiences have demonstrated numerous benefits from regular float practice
Stress Reduction
Significant decreases in stress hormones and perceived stress levels, with effects lasting well beyond the float session itself.
Improved Sleep
Better sleep quality, reduced insomnia symptoms, and normalized sleep patterns, even for those with chronic sleep disturbances.
Heightened Creativity
Increased creative output and novel problem-solving abilities, making floating popular among artists, writers, and innovators.
Pain Management
Reduced pain intensity and increased pain threshold, particularly effective for chronic
Mental Clarity
Enhanced focus, concentration, and cognitive performance, with many clients reporting their best ideas and solutions come during or immediately after floating.
Meditation Enhancement
Deeper and more consistent meditation states, even for beginners, as the float environment naturally facilitates the mental conditions sought in meditation practice.
Enhanced Recovery
Accelerated physical recovery from training and competition, making it a favorite tool for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike.
Anxiety Reduction
Clinically significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, including those associated with generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and panic disorders.
Nervous System Regulation
Improved autonomic nervous system balance and enhanced stress resilience, helping your body respond more appropriately to life's challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. At Float Forty One, we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. Our advanced filtration system processes the entire volume of water at least three times between each session, using UV sterilization, hydrogen peroxide, and micron filtration. Additionally, the high salt concentration creates an environment where bacteria cannot survive. All clients shower before entering the float environment, and our facilities are meticulously cleaned between each use.
Many people with claustrophobia find they can float comfortably because you’re always in control of your environment. You can leave the door open, keep lights on, or exit at any time. Our float cabins offer more spacious options with higher ceilings for those concerned about enclosed spaces. Most clients report that the sensation of spaciousness in the dark is quite different from what they expected, and many claustrophobic individuals become our most dedicated floaters.
Yes, everyone floats effortlessly in our solution. The water contains over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, creating a density greater than the Dead Sea. This makes floating completely effortless regardless of your body composition or swimming ability. In fact, it’s impossible to sink even if you try.
There’s no “right way” to float. Some people meditate, some problem-solve, some simply observe their thoughts, and others drift into a sleep-like state. We recommend approaching your first float with an open mind and no specific expectations. Your body and mind will naturally find what they need in the float environment.
Just yourself! We provide everything you need for your float experience, including towels, earplugs, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and post-float amenities. We recommend not wearing contact lenses during your float, so bring a case and solution if needed. If you have longer hair, you might want to bring a brush or comb.
For optimal results, we recommend floating at least once a week, especially when first establishing your practice. Many of our regular clients find that a consistent schedule of 1-4 floats per month provides the best ongoing benefits. That said, even a single float can provide significant temporary relief and insight. Our membership options make regular floating more accessible.
Preparing for Your First Float
Preparing for Your First Float
Avoid Caffeine
Try to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before your float. Caffeine can stimulate your nervous system and make it more difficult to achieve deep relaxation.
Don't Shave or Wax
Avoid shaving or waxing at least 12-24 hours before your float. The salt solution can cause discomfort on freshly shaved or waxed skin.
Eat Lightly
Have a light meal 1-2 hours before floating. Floating on a completely empty stomach can be distracting, while floating too soon after a heavy meal can make it difficult to relax.
Arrive Relaxed
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive without rushing. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and orientation.
Set an Intention
Consider setting a simple intention for your float. This could be as simple as "relaxation" or something more specific like "finding clarity on a decision." Having a gentle focus can enhance your experience.
Find Quiet. Find Serenity. Find Freedom.
Find Quiet. Find Serenity.
Find Freedom.
Ready to experience the transformative benefits of floating? Book your first session at our Cromwell location and discover why Float Forty One is Connecticut’s premier float center. Your journey to deep relaxation and enhanced performance begins with a single float.
