My out-of-body experience in a sensory deprivation tank(nautil.us)
nautil.us
My out-of-body experience in a sensory deprivation tank
https://nautil.us/issue/112/inspiration/my-out_of_body-experience
139 comments
The place I went supplied little floating pillows for just this reason. For people that haven't done this, the issue is that you have to tip your head farther back then is comfortable before the water starts supporting it.
Same thing happens to me, I do blame myself for not exercising more and being more flexible.
Once this happens, just move your hands above your head and lock fingers, you can continue float, your neck will not hurt you.
When I am doing longer 90 mins sessions and after some time, your neck starts hurting and this prevents neck hurting and I can have my full session. If I did yoga, I wouldn't have this problem, but I am wimpy and lazy.
Once this happens, just move your hands above your head and lock fingers, you can continue float, your neck will not hurt you.
When I am doing longer 90 mins sessions and after some time, your neck starts hurting and this prevents neck hurting and I can have my full session. If I did yoga, I wouldn't have this problem, but I am wimpy and lazy.
I'm confused.. floating in water makes your neck hurt?
People instinctively want to keep their head out of water. In floatation tanks they give you ear wax to plug your ears, and the salt water is supposed to support the weight of your head, but basically only your face will stick out. So you might over compensate to prevent your eyes and nose from being submerged.
Not sure if this works for everyone though, different shapes and sizes of head and neck.
Not sure if this works for everyone though, different shapes and sizes of head and neck.
my guess is its a reaction to the change in posture
If the water has epsom salt you're going to be more out of the water, no?
I've tried sensory deprivation tanks twice and fell asleep instantly both times, though my goal was to hallucinate. It was really restful, pleasant sleep. Probably means my normal sleep is low quality, which makes sense since I have sleep apnea.
I have been told an edible helps a lot if you actually want to experience any type of hallucination.
If you're willing to add drugs to the mix then the tank isn't really necessary
Well I guess not. But there is a difference between taking an edible at home or socially and taking one pre deprivation tank.
Can you share a bit more about your experience using a sensory deprivation tank with sleep apnea? Did you bring a CPAP into the tank?
Not at all, I just went in like normal. I don't use CPAP at home because I've been too lazy to get it, but I know I have sleep apnea since I snore all night.
I think because you are weightless in the water my airways open up so I'm not affected in the tank.
I think because you are weightless in the water my airways open up so I'm not affected in the tank.
Maybe the reason you're too "lazy" is because you're exhausted because you have sleep apnea.
Go get your CPAP. It will change your life. It will also extend your life.
This is an interesting thought experiment for my uneducated brain. How much of your body is actually "weightless" in this situation? Or is it just a trick of the mind? Surely gravity would still affect parts of your body? What difference does fully submerged vs. floating have on this effect?
It's not the same sensation as weightless. It's a lack of pressure points anywhere on the body. It's like dropping backwards into a deep snow bank. Actual weightlessness is disturbing, if you're not used to it. This is just comfortable.
snoring does not imply that you have sleep apnea! I actually had a sleep study done, I snore but have neither apnea nor dyspnea.
My anecdote: a friend of mine gave me a ticket for a float tank in London for free. Decided to try.
As others mention in this thread, it was not completely depriving of stimuli, but close enough. The air felt a bit colder than the water, so I definitely felt where one ends and the other begins. It was a 60 mins session, first 10-15 mins with relaxing music.
What was immediately noticeable to me is that I initially had incredible back pain. I realized this was just tight muscles. After some 20mins this went away and I actually felt like after a massage. Very interesting and I was almost disorientingly calm.
On out of body experiences and other magic: At around 45 mins I had slight hallucinations. A weird colorful line appeared on the horizon and I started hearing some of the best drum and bass I have ever heard (was not an existing song). Probably a flashback from my youth when I was in the scene.
All in all very interesting and I thought about buying a float tank at home (they cost 10-15k-ish). I was renting at the time however so it was not an option otherwise I would have definitely done it. It' on par or better than a massage for me when it comes to the aftereffects. The process itself is less enjoyable though than a massage.
Edit: one of the commenters asked about a bad experience. I was actually fairly scared to try it, although I have relatively extensive experience with meditation at the time I was suffering from pretty bad anxiety and I was afraid to both meditate or try float tanks in case it makes it worse. I can say it provided a short term (hours to days) noticeable calm, so it definitely did not make it worse. YMMV
As others mention in this thread, it was not completely depriving of stimuli, but close enough. The air felt a bit colder than the water, so I definitely felt where one ends and the other begins. It was a 60 mins session, first 10-15 mins with relaxing music.
What was immediately noticeable to me is that I initially had incredible back pain. I realized this was just tight muscles. After some 20mins this went away and I actually felt like after a massage. Very interesting and I was almost disorientingly calm.
On out of body experiences and other magic: At around 45 mins I had slight hallucinations. A weird colorful line appeared on the horizon and I started hearing some of the best drum and bass I have ever heard (was not an existing song). Probably a flashback from my youth when I was in the scene.
All in all very interesting and I thought about buying a float tank at home (they cost 10-15k-ish). I was renting at the time however so it was not an option otherwise I would have definitely done it. It' on par or better than a massage for me when it comes to the aftereffects. The process itself is less enjoyable though than a massage.
Edit: one of the commenters asked about a bad experience. I was actually fairly scared to try it, although I have relatively extensive experience with meditation at the time I was suffering from pretty bad anxiety and I was afraid to both meditate or try float tanks in case it makes it worse. I can say it provided a short term (hours to days) noticeable calm, so it definitely did not make it worse. YMMV
Same here. I had bad neck and back pain, and it was relieved after a few minutes in the tank.
I love massages (which are probably better on the muscles due to increasing circulation), but I feel that tanks are better for the mind. Although floating would relieve strain on the back and neck!
I love massages (which are probably better on the muscles due to increasing circulation), but I feel that tanks are better for the mind. Although floating would relieve strain on the back and neck!
I wonder if this pain relief was because your muscles relaxed completely, in a way we struggle to achieve usually.
Yep, that's exactly what my thoughts were. One time I had a headache on the way driving there. All gone within a few minutes of stepping into the tank.
People who haven't had true out-of-body experiences use the term without realizing what it is to have one. To be honest, it's the most fucked up experience of my life... I have done floating in the sensory depriv tanks but it takes something on the order of ayahuasca to actually leave your body.
I had the experience whilst being under hypnosis and your comment > it's the most fucked up experience of my life
describes it very well. I was so freaked out by the thought of not getting back into my body, I panicked and woke my self up.
I believe/ heard that it can can recreated at will
describes it very well. I was so freaked out by the thought of not getting back into my body, I panicked and woke my self up.
I believe/ heard that it can can recreated at will
In my experience on psychedelics, I was observing myself freaking out in third person from a calm conscious perspective. I remember asking and thinking to myself that it was strange and funny that I was freaking out because this is all just temporary.
(freaking out might be a strong term, but my heart was racing, I was breathing heavily, shaking/shivering, etc, but still laying relatively still)
So to me the weirdest thing about an out of body experience was that I could observe my brain in a similar way to how I observe my hand right now. I can move my fingers around, and the hand is definitely part of me, but my hand does not feel conscious. So when having this experience it felt like my consciousness moved out of my head to the room and that I was observing how my head was processing thoughts while still being somewhat in control of those thoughts.
(freaking out might be a strong term, but my heart was racing, I was breathing heavily, shaking/shivering, etc, but still laying relatively still)
So to me the weirdest thing about an out of body experience was that I could observe my brain in a similar way to how I observe my hand right now. I can move my fingers around, and the hand is definitely part of me, but my hand does not feel conscious. So when having this experience it felt like my consciousness moved out of my head to the room and that I was observing how my head was processing thoughts while still being somewhat in control of those thoughts.
that's sounds awesome, much better than my experience.
I genuinely believed at the time my mind would not be able to go back and I'd die or go brain dead (no psychedelics or drugs taken)
I genuinely believed at the time my mind would not be able to go back and I'd die or go brain dead (no psychedelics or drugs taken)
Playing a concert very important to me, I experienced my first out of body experience during the entire first number. I remember floating about 1 meter above my head and looking down on the piano and watching me play. Curious.
How does it compare to depersonalization/derealization?
I'd call those totally different experiences. Depersonalization/derealization SUCKS. I had episodes of that for months after an LSD trip. It's not fun.
However, I've definitely had other experiences I would call proper out of body experiences, and those feel more insightful and interesting. Mostly those came from meditation, but one came the first time I had to kill an animal. (I had to put down a rabbit that was suffering a long slow death, and I remember it was really weird. I watched myself swing the axe, but I didn't initiate the swing nor keep it going. It just happened. Strange feeling.)
The former doesn't feel out of body, it feels more like you're stuck in the wrong body, or one you just don't identify with. Like it doesn't feel right, it feels like it's in the wrong position, or like a strange robot your don't quite know the ins and outs of. It CAN feel like you're watching yourself, but it's... different. I don't know quite how to explain. Like, in the out of body, you are watching yourself, but you identify WITH the observer. With the DP/DR, you don't really identify with the body you're watching OR the observer. It just feels detached and wrong.
However, I've definitely had other experiences I would call proper out of body experiences, and those feel more insightful and interesting. Mostly those came from meditation, but one came the first time I had to kill an animal. (I had to put down a rabbit that was suffering a long slow death, and I remember it was really weird. I watched myself swing the axe, but I didn't initiate the swing nor keep it going. It just happened. Strange feeling.)
The former doesn't feel out of body, it feels more like you're stuck in the wrong body, or one you just don't identify with. Like it doesn't feel right, it feels like it's in the wrong position, or like a strange robot your don't quite know the ins and outs of. It CAN feel like you're watching yourself, but it's... different. I don't know quite how to explain. Like, in the out of body, you are watching yourself, but you identify WITH the observer. With the DP/DR, you don't really identify with the body you're watching OR the observer. It just feels detached and wrong.
What is the experience like for people with tinnitus?
I have tinnitus and still really enjoyed the experience. No out of body stuff like TFA, but deeply relaxing.
I had many floats before and after getting T. The floats were as relaxing. They can pipe in white noise/rain/sound if you like.
I've had tinnitus for the past month and floated a couple times during this time. Wasn't a factor.
What I do not completely understand here, or seems counter-intuitive to me: it's called sensory deprivation, but you're floating in water. To me that sounds like a sensory impulse (to the skin, possibly vestibular system to a lesser extent), at least that is what it feels like when I'm floating with eyes closed and fingers in my ears trying to block sound (which might not be perfect though - also I've never done this in water which was almost completely still). Yet in these reports I don't read much about how that floating feels, or whether that feeling is even present. Would be great if someone who tried this could comment on this aspect.
Once the water settles and you’re completely still, it feels like absolutely nothing on your skin. Zero change from moment to moment in any kind of signal. Sensory deprivation is apt. When you move slightly, you can feel the water.
This. When you're still, it literally feels like you're floating in space. I've been in tanks many times, and every time I feel like I'm spinning in outer space i.e you don't know which way is up or down.
It's a totally unreal experience (think the highest level of meditation you've had now times it by 100), but sadly I've never achieved the feeling of OOB.
It's a totally unreal experience (think the highest level of meditation you've had now times it by 100), but sadly I've never achieved the feeling of OOB.
Which is one of the reasons why many of the business where you can rent tank/float time highly encourage people to float naked - the feeling of the swimsuit can break the experience.
Makes perfect sense to me.
Makes perfect sense to me.
Yeah! It's crazy when everything becomes totally still. For me it felt like I was in a bubble being swallowed by outer space. It was really hard to calm myself down and trust that I wouldn't drown.
I’ve been in a sensory deprivation tank. To your question, the first thing you realize is that there’s no chance of drowning so it’s easier to let go. It’s not like you’re into a pool or out in the sea where it’s harder to relax because you’re exposed to externalities or you’re afraid that you might drown. You can’t drown in a tank because there’s like 20 cm of water in there. Once you let go you don’t feel anything. Everything is pitch black, you can’t hear sounds, and of course you don’t feel the water because there’s no movement on the water. You’re inside a controlled environment. It’s also easy to panic and a lot of people do which makes the whole experience extremely uncomfortable, especially if the water gets in your eyes because it’s highly salinated and hurts like a motherf*cker.
Aside from that it’s like meditation once you get the grip of it. But it’s easier than meditation because it doesn’t require a lot of exercise to make it work.
Aside from that it’s like meditation once you get the grip of it. But it’s easier than meditation because it doesn’t require a lot of exercise to make it work.
on the contrary, I have been in one too and maybe it was just a shit deprivation tank but I most definately felt the water. It was not a perfect match to my body temperature and with nothing else to focus on, I focused directly on the feeling of the water. Any subtle movement would create waves that were definitely noticed.
That was my experience too. Pretty underwhelming, and uncomfortable.
Maybe depends on the tank, but when I was floating I was motionless and after 3-5 minutes the water gets still and you stop feeling it.
Until you do some movement you don't feel your limbs.
I was mostly concentrating on my thoughts, so maybe that impacted my experience.
The temperature has to be perfectly matched between air and water - the water has so much salt in it you really are floating (like dead sea ++); it's pitch dark and perfectly still.... you really are "sensory deprived"... it's up to you to calm your mind.
Somebody who really enjoys it gave me a trial package once and I did a few sessions. You're absolutely right, I mostly had the sensation of floating in water.
In the end I determined this isn't useful for me, but there's probably people who are less sensitive to this kind of sensation.
In the end I determined this isn't useful for me, but there's probably people who are less sensitive to this kind of sensation.
You can feel the water but only if you're moving or the temperature isn't controlled well enough between the air and water and you can feel the border.
This is what I mean by different people having different sensitivity. I fully believe that this is true for you and many others, but it's not true for me.
So you believe you have more acute sense of temperature and pressure? There is an element of meditation involved
I can definitely notice the water, yes. Even regardless of temperature and pressure, there is no way to make absolutely no movements (unless you're dead, and even then ...) which means the water will be in motion, which is very obviously noticeable on body hair.
> There is an element of meditation involved
Sure, but this is a different statement - it's more like saying "yes, the sensation is noticeable, but the point is to learn to ignore it" which is different from "there is no sensation".
> There is an element of meditation involved
Sure, but this is a different statement - it's more like saying "yes, the sensation is noticeable, but the point is to learn to ignore it" which is different from "there is no sensation".
My point is everyone notices that to some degree, unless they're dead like you pointed out. Having an expectation on absolute 0 sensation is unrealistic. The purpose of a deprivation tank in this scenario is to reduce/deny as much sensory input as possible, leaving just mental stimulation, aka mediation.
The topic of this post is covered in an interesting book by John C. Gowan, called Trance, Art, and Creativity[0] which was brought to mind by another recent submission, "What it means to teach gifted learners well"[1] (Gowan was founder of the National Association of Gifted Children in 1958)[2]. I first stumbled on his work (which spans a wide range from educational psychology to esoteric parapsychology) in a bookstore in Ithaca, NY and have always been curious if others are familiar with it.
[0] http://web.archive.org/web/20090101190837/http://www.csun.ed...
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30002087
[2] https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-12-14-mn-3024-s...
[0] http://web.archive.org/web/20090101190837/http://www.csun.ed...
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30002087
[2] https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-12-14-mn-3024-s...
Richard Feynman describes his own experience of sensory deprivation tank in "Altered States" chapter of his "Surely you're joking, Mr. Feynman!" memoir.
That's really interesting. I didn't read that book. Did Feynman described an OBE he had? or some other altered state?
i recall... he described an OBE in detail, though i believe it described the actual visual effect as minor, he says he could change his perspective to be off to his left side or above himself, i dont think he says he flies off to some other world. The experience was enjoyable to him though, as he sought out the iso tank more often afterwards.
edit: he also did a small dose of ketamine one time he tried it and said it enhanced the effects
edit: he also did a small dose of ketamine one time he tried it and said it enhanced the effects
He had interesting experiences. The best is to realize you can have them without requiring any infrastructure other than a comfortable safe environment, a bed and uninterrupted silence.
My firsts lucid OBEs were not even voluntarily produced but "emergent" from taking a random nap.
My firsts lucid OBEs were not even voluntarily produced but "emergent" from taking a random nap.
> a comfortable safe environment, a bed and uninterrupted silence.
Luxurious!
No but seriously, a lot of people don't even have access to a quiet and dark bedroom. It was only when I bought my house some years ago that I had that, and it's not even perfect - I prefer to sleep with the window open, frequently there's background noise from the nearby highway (white noise). But depending on wind and atmospheric conditions it can also be deathly silent. Until I start snoring anyway.
Luxurious!
No but seriously, a lot of people don't even have access to a quiet and dark bedroom. It was only when I bought my house some years ago that I had that, and it's not even perfect - I prefer to sleep with the window open, frequently there's background noise from the nearby highway (white noise). But depending on wind and atmospheric conditions it can also be deathly silent. Until I start snoring anyway.
When I first moved to Singapore my apartment was next to the motorway and port which runs 24/7, so it was quite noisy to listen to the cars and trucks and the odd container being dropped or banged.
When I moved the apartment block was dead silent with no road noise. I couldn’t sleep properly for about a month because It was so quiet. I couldn’t relax and ended up taking sleeping pills a few times just to sleep.
Since moving again I’ve always had background noise. I’m scared to move again to a silent place.
When I moved the apartment block was dead silent with no road noise. I couldn’t sleep properly for about a month because It was so quiet. I couldn’t relax and ended up taking sleeping pills a few times just to sleep.
Since moving again I’ve always had background noise. I’m scared to move again to a silent place.
I too like background noise - I just use a noise generating app on my phone. My bedside clock has dock for the phone with some nice speakers - and I use it more for that than anything else.
There are all kinds of noise generating apps - if you like traffic/freeway sounds there are lots that provide that kind of noise. The best are ones that have multiple tracks playing at once with samples that start at random places so you don't get a repeating audio pattern. I found with simpler noise generating apps (or devices like from sharper image) that have repeating loops I will eventually detect the loop and then instead of using the noise to help me relax I'm counting the seconds until the loop repeats. Very counter productive!
There are all kinds of noise generating apps - if you like traffic/freeway sounds there are lots that provide that kind of noise. The best are ones that have multiple tracks playing at once with samples that start at random places so you don't get a repeating audio pattern. I found with simpler noise generating apps (or devices like from sharper image) that have repeating loops I will eventually detect the loop and then instead of using the noise to help me relax I'm counting the seconds until the loop repeats. Very counter productive!
Did you consider getting a white noise generator?
At the time, no, but I haven't had a lack of noise since moving so I sleep fine, but if I ever end up in a quiet home again I will definitely do something to generate some sort of noise.
Now that you mention that, I do remember more than one occasion being in an OBE that got interrupted by my own sudden snoring hahahaa.
If is not that bad, it can be used as a trigger for the kind of questions that will raise lucidity: where I am? how did I got here? These logistics questions work because OBEs will always fail to deliver the continuum of the memory back to when it started because they all start somehow in hypnagogia.
If is not that bad, it can be used as a trigger for the kind of questions that will raise lucidity: where I am? how did I got here? These logistics questions work because OBEs will always fail to deliver the continuum of the memory back to when it started because they all start somehow in hypnagogia.
Uninterrupted silence is the biggest obstacle for many of us.
Same. I'm convinced OBEs are a form of dreaming, especially when comparing the techniques used for initiating wake-back-to-bed lucid dreaming (relaxing the body & mind, feeling vibrations, being amazed how "real" it is, etc).
That intoxicatingly calm space between awake and not-quite-awake-yet is about the best drug there is. The difficulty therein is knowing that the day's remainder will, at best, and rarely in sobriety, only approximate this magical state of bliss.
> That intoxicatingly calm space between awake and not-quite-awake-yet
...that space is calm for most people?
Being there is usually literally terrifying to me. Like whenever I finally come through to the awake side I'm drenched in sweat and crying on occasion.
...that space is calm for most people?
Being there is usually literally terrifying to me. Like whenever I finally come through to the awake side I'm drenched in sweat and crying on occasion.
I dated someone who had sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations. She'd wake up breathing hard and panicked sometimes; said she was awake but locked into her body and heard these incredibly loud, terrifying noises.
Maybe get a sleep study.
Maybe get a sleep study.
Sometimes, in that state, the "brain audio processor" gets disconnected from ears and connected to inner sounds - heartbeats and such. The texture to the sound is given by random thoughts, so if you happened to think about a waterfall, you'll keep hearing loud waterfall heartbeats. Even if you're well aware of what's happening, these sounds are still overwhelming. This is a common "OBE mode".
Completely calm for me. HR bpm ~55 to 60. Involuntary homeostatic systems (breath, heart rate, mind, muscles, sensory systems semi-on-offline, stable body temperature, especially temperature) are synced and calmly clocking along.
It does, however, take ~9.5 hours to get the pillow to behave to tolerance.
As for terrifying? Well, there's always real life to look forward to, and terrifying is an appropriate reaction to that impending doom, but I hope this isn't an everyday for you. You could have a sleep disorder, night terrors, PTSD, neurology problem, etc.
It does, however, take ~9.5 hours to get the pillow to behave to tolerance.
As for terrifying? Well, there's always real life to look forward to, and terrifying is an appropriate reaction to that impending doom, but I hope this isn't an everyday for you. You could have a sleep disorder, night terrors, PTSD, neurology problem, etc.
you might also have sleep apnea, or some other treatable condition
I had a few OBEs while falling asleep in the afternoon while maintaining awareness, and it is seemed to me that they were hallucinatory experiences triggered by sleep paralysis kicking in. And yes, they are likely a specific form of lucid dreaming.
The dream hypothesis can be discarded with the shared OBE.
Think about it, can 2 people's dream be synchronized from the perspective of each other? Because that's how a shared OBE feels.
Once you have some of these, you know these aren't dreams.
Think about it, can 2 people's dream be synchronized from the perspective of each other? Because that's how a shared OBE feels.
Once you have some of these, you know these aren't dreams.
Yep, sounds similar to a hypnagogic state.
My personal experience—I've done it about 4 times. The first time was pretty incredible. Not OBE or anything, but it was one of the few times I've experienced the detachment from self I hear regular meditators talk about so much. The world seemed bright and harsh afterward—I felt like a newborn. The other three times felt like nice epsom salt soaks, sometimes with sleeping.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I had basically the same experience. In general I'd prefer to pay for a massage of the same price than a 1 hour float.
I'm always skeptical of reasoning that runs, "This spiritual practice, which requires long learning and dedicated practice, has been shown to offer these benefits. You can get them now using this one weird trick!" It sounds Calvinist and curmudgeonly, but I really don't think there's a shortcut to spiritual improvement: you get what you work for.
I agree with you. I'm sure that meditation, psychotherapy, contemplative prayer, possibly even drug use, whatever, have benefits. I'm just also sure that it takes quite a bit of dedication, introspection, and time to get there.
As an aside, isn't "you get what you work for" quite literally the opposite of Calvinism? At least, it seems to go against every element of TULIP?
As an aside, isn't "you get what you work for" quite literally the opposite of Calvinism? At least, it seems to go against every element of TULIP?
The opposite of Calvinist ideas about salvation, yes, but very much in line with culturally-Calvinist ideas about how to live your life. No branch of Christianity can be reduced to its soteriology without distorting it beyond recognition.
That's very interesting. I grew up in a Baptist Church, where 'Calvinist' and 'Arminian' described intra-denominational differences so the 'Calvinists' were broadly similar to the non-Calvinists in pretty much all beliefs except the TULIPy ones. It makes sense there would be greater differences in other denominations.
If you want an interesting and distinct Baptist set of beliefs and practices, the Primitive Baptists are fascinating. They were a prominent group of Baptists in the early part of the nineteenth century in America, but their resolution not to embrace the missions movement cost them much popularity. Calvinist in the broad outlines of their theology, but a lot of significant differences that I think are a little more intellectually consistent. There are still a small number out there.
Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) Talked about this idea in a way that made a lot of sense to me. He stated (roughly) that the LSD experience gives you a glimpse of what can be found through extensive spiritual practice. After the first few "trips" a person is just entertaining themselves- Real growth and insight comes from the practice- The shortcut is a great way to point the way, but do not use the sign as an end goal.
You know when you wake from a dream by hitting the bed from falling? That happened to me in the tank. It was either that, or I felt like I started spinning. Was like my gyros were being re-calibrated or something.
If you mean one of those short dreams when you're just about falling asleep (you fall off a bike, you trip, whatever) - it's called a hypnic jerk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk
If you're talking about something else (full on sleep and waking up startled, then ignore me)
If you're talking about something else (full on sleep and waking up startled, then ignore me)
Serious question. Is there any chance of ear infection due to the common water, rude people who have urinated in the tank, and the fact that your head is partially submersed?
The saline solution is basically very harsh to bacteria and other microbes. Besides that, UV cleaning is typically used on those kind of floating tanks.
I was concerned/curious about that too - one place near me had a pretty good article on how they clean the water (my biggest concern) that was pretty interesting:
https://www.isolationtankexperts.com/how-is-float-tank-water...
https://www.isolationtankexperts.com/how-is-float-tank-water...
At something like 6 lbs (2.7kg) per gallon (3.78541 liters) I'm not sure normal microbes can survive.
its not the normal microbes I am concerned about... its the invasive cockroach data dog type microbes that worry me
The one I've been to gave me silicone earplugs so that wasn't a concern.
If you wanted to try out such an experience, any recommendations on what makes a good vs. a bad place ? A lot of the websites I found are not very engaging to say the least
After reading the original article I did a quick web search and was surprised to find many places offering isolation tanks or rooms. Reading through the Yelp reviews of many of these places was interesting and you quickly spot trends in treatment by staff, cleanliness, facility layout, etc. I always make sure to read the negative reviews too - even though (unless a place is truly awful) they tend to be dominated by people with self-inflicted problems they can still be a great guide of what not to do :)
I had my first sensory deprivation tank experience about a month ago and I gotta wonder what kind of drugs you all are doing before hand to have these experiences you're describing.
I had heard a lot of stories and I was looking forward to seeing something. All I saw was the same shit I've ever seen behind my eyelids when laying down in bed at night: random retinal ghosting. I didn't feel anything. There wasn't anything special about it. It was exactly the sum of all the parts: like taking a warm bath and having some peace and quiet for a change.
It was nice, but not in any way approaching anything that could be life changing. Go sit in a hot tub with ear plugs and a sleep mask and you're 99% there at a fraction of the cost and without the bullshit "healing crystals" upsell.
Or maybe that's the problem. Maybe y'all got some serious problems of being way too high-strung in your daily life.
I had heard a lot of stories and I was looking forward to seeing something. All I saw was the same shit I've ever seen behind my eyelids when laying down in bed at night: random retinal ghosting. I didn't feel anything. There wasn't anything special about it. It was exactly the sum of all the parts: like taking a warm bath and having some peace and quiet for a change.
It was nice, but not in any way approaching anything that could be life changing. Go sit in a hot tub with ear plugs and a sleep mask and you're 99% there at a fraction of the cost and without the bullshit "healing crystals" upsell.
Or maybe that's the problem. Maybe y'all got some serious problems of being way too high-strung in your daily life.
It sounds like the author and many of the commenters here (who claim benefits) didn’t go into it blind. They began their mindfulness journey by practicing meditation, and then after a while got into a tank. Thus they were predisposed to having a useful experience, bec they’d done a lot of the mindfulness work already. The float tank just makes reaching a mindfulness state easier, if you already have some of “the tools”.
You sound like someone who hasn’t done any of the work to reach a mindful state and thus had a terrible experience more akin to solitary confinement.
I actually wholeheartedly disagree with the author’s conclusion that a SDtank is a shortcut. He’s using his own experience and the results of one or two studies in a field fraught with badly managed studies that can rarely be replicated. That is, I don’t believe the studies can be taken at face value.
You sound like someone who hasn’t done any of the work to reach a mindful state and thus had a terrible experience more akin to solitary confinement.
I actually wholeheartedly disagree with the author’s conclusion that a SDtank is a shortcut. He’s using his own experience and the results of one or two studies in a field fraught with badly managed studies that can rarely be replicated. That is, I don’t believe the studies can be taken at face value.
I don't know how you got from me saying "it was nice" to "you sound like someone (who had) a terrible experience".
I have floated regularly for the past several years. It's very beneficial. All of this "out of body experience" type talk is unhelpful, IMO. It's not thst common of an experience with the tank, and may deter ppl who could benefit from it.
This tank sounds absolutely terrifying to me.
It doesn't have to be a person sized tank. If you are on the claustrophobic side there appear to be facilities that have entire rooms with a tank in the middle - no close walls. And you don't have to be completely silent or dark in your experience; they all appear to let you select your preference for lighting and sound. Many have underwater speakers if you prefer to have music or something like white noise.
Like with many things, there isn't necessarily a right or wrong way :)
I've always been curious, but never thought to see if there were isolation tanks out there you could just rent on demand - and it turns out there are several places quite close to me - with a variety of options for types, styles and sizes of tanks/rooms. I may have to give it a try.
Like with many things, there isn't necessarily a right or wrong way :)
I've always been curious, but never thought to see if there were isolation tanks out there you could just rent on demand - and it turns out there are several places quite close to me - with a variety of options for types, styles and sizes of tanks/rooms. I may have to give it a try.
Next Q: How would the experience be on LSD or other hallucinogen or psychedelic?
There is an awesome movie based on this premise called “Altered States“ but it is more sci-fi than documentary.
Lots of people must’ve already tried it, so I guess nothing extraordinary.
Lots of people must’ve already tried it, so I guess nothing extraordinary.
Bumping this up. If someone has done this, would be great to their perspective
Highly recommend floating on ketamine. Not too much! But it's a perfect length and synergizes extremely well.
I think John Lilly pioneered this combo, though he was a crazy addict so I would not recommend that.
I think John Lilly pioneered this combo, though he was a crazy addict so I would not recommend that.
reminds me of hemi sync back in the days and that was wild.
When I saw myself snoring after listening for like 2 hours though, I quickly decided this is not for me and actually have never touched it again.
I came to the conclusion that since there was no way to prove me right, that this is how people go insane.
The biggest tell for me is that none of the people of reddit that tell you they are floating around the city at night actually know the lottery numbers or anything the like....
If they could actually leave their body to check out things, these people would rule the world.
I came to the conclusion that since there was no way to prove me right, that this is how people go insane.
The biggest tell for me is that none of the people of reddit that tell you they are floating around the city at night actually know the lottery numbers or anything the like....
If they could actually leave their body to check out things, these people would rule the world.
I don't think the author actually believe to physically be leaving their body. You are not going to gain any additionally information that you do not already have. But, having experienced it, the sensation does feel exactly like getting ripped out of your body and leaving it behind.
Multiple of my friends have told me how much they enjoy floating, so I've been seriously considering giving it a try.
Has anybody here done it before? How did it go for you? Any bad experiences in particular?
Has anybody here done it before? How did it go for you? Any bad experiences in particular?
The first time definitely has a novelty to the experience of getting in the tank, settling, then floating. Then towards the end of the first session you really start to feel comfortable. Second time around you really get the max relaxation. Floating like that really lets your muscles settle in a way that they never have before - usually I carry that relaxation for a week afterwards. I never was much for massage but floating is amazing.
My shoulders relaxed 3-4 times. Each time I was like "wow, that's what they should feel like", then bam, more relaxation.
I tried it once but it was too cold and my neck hurt. If the second time is better maybe I should give it another try.
I noticed in reading the reviews/details on many float businesses near me the newer ones emphasized infrared heaters in the pool and above the pool - makes sense - water is pretty hard to change temperature; lots of thermal inertia. Infrared would be a lot more responsive. So I will probably prioritize places that advertise that technology.
Especially since I am not a fan of cold water!
Especially since I am not a fan of cold water!
Never before, except maybe in your mother's womb
I've done it once and found it a very uncomfortable position and hard to relax.
Definitely don't see the appeal, though I would be interested to try it I'm zero gravity.
Definitely don't see the appeal, though I would be interested to try it I'm zero gravity.
I did it a few times. Was interesting, but not what I’ve read. No out of body experiences, or other stuff like that. I took no substances, though, maybe they are necessary.
Maybe it’s also a question of quality of the tanks themselves, as I cannot say I was totally sensory-deprived during my time in the tank.
Still a nifty way to rest, I’d say.
Maybe it’s also a question of quality of the tanks themselves, as I cannot say I was totally sensory-deprived during my time in the tank.
Still a nifty way to rest, I’d say.
Many of my friends highly recommend it too so I've been debating it!
One of my friends is super attached to his phones and notifications (he has two, one personal and one for work). He said it was a good experience, but weird because he kept feeling the buzz of phone notifications even though they weren't with it. I thought that was pretty interesting.
One of my friends is super attached to his phones and notifications (he has two, one personal and one for work). He said it was a good experience, but weird because he kept feeling the buzz of phone notifications even though they weren't with it. I thought that was pretty interesting.
Phantom limb syndrom but with tech - At one point I realized that was happening and then I dialed back the notifications, especially on social media apps, big time. Horrible trap to fall into.
Oh yeah, that makes sense! I remember a point when I used to hear my phone vibrate somewhere in the room, but when I checked, there weren't notifications. I still feel like I have too many notifications in general, working on turning some off and not stressing it.
I found it very relaxing, which I attribute mainly to absorption of magnesium. I usually had a “good” meditation session, but never any experience of non-ordinary consciousness. I stopped going for sessions after contracting a serious case of bacterial dermatitis.
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I've done it a bunch, no bad experiences. It's extremely relaxing and leaves me in a better mood, so I'll do it again even if just for that reason.
I had some interesting small visual hallucinations, but nothing too major.
I had some interesting small visual hallucinations, but nothing too major.
I gave it a try couple of years ago. Did not experience anything special. All I remember was that it was very boring to just lie there for an hour without doing anything.
A bit of a grandiose article, but yeah, they actually do mess with your head. Maybe not as woo-like intensity as OP elaborates.
I did one and it took me a long time to feel anything, and suddenly I couldn't tell how big my body was, or where my limbs were: my proprioception disappeared. But that was all I got. That and a bad case of the runs because I accidentally splashed some of the water into my mouth and swallowed it.
I did one and it took me a long time to feel anything, and suddenly I couldn't tell how big my body was, or where my limbs were: my proprioception disappeared. But that was all I got. That and a bad case of the runs because I accidentally splashed some of the water into my mouth and swallowed it.
I got terribly motion sick. Nausea and head spinning like being on a small boat in the fog. It was very unpleasant, sadly.
Did anyone else have this, or have ideas about avoiding it?
Did anyone else have this, or have ideas about avoiding it?
What do you do when you have to pee?
You go before you enter. You're supposed to eat light, evacuate bowels, and take a shower before entering.
You walk out, pee, and come back.
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I’d be curious to give it a try, but I dislike the idea of lying in someone else’s bath water. What if the last guy had been poaching eggs in there?
Uninterested until someone lets me enter one with a few tabs of LSD in me.
Have you considered not announcing that you've taken acid?
Why can't you just take it 30 minutes before?
I mean, nobody did any pat down on me before I went in one. I could have easily snuck in a full box of movie popcorn or something.
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I think it proves how utterly ridiculous modern life is that we feel the need to pay someone to lie in a tank of salt water in order to feel better.
Pros: Everytime I leave the tank I'm deeply relaxed and not tired. I would be walking and talking afterwards deeply, calmly and feel good. The floating is easy, and it's in shallow water.
Cons: One thing for me is that it made my neck hurt. I usually use a pillow to support my head in bed, but that not an option in the water. I don't have neck issues normally but the tank brought out this. I've the usual bad geek posture I guess. Any minor pain quickly went though.