The risks of SDTT includeclaustrophobia,ear infection, and possiblehallucinations.

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What Is a Sensory Deprivation Tank?

The water is maintained at skin temperature (92 F) to further enhance this effect.

Woman wearing a bathing suit while floating in a sensory deprivation tank.

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The tank has controls to increase or decrease light as desired.

Ear plugs are generally provided to prevent water from getting into your ears; these also minimize auditory sensations.

Other SDTT units are designed like cabins with a shallow pool inside.

Instead of stepping into a pod, you walk into the cabin.

To some, this is less claustrophobic than a sarcophagus-like pod.

SDTT sessions typically last for 60 minutes.

Other SDTT health claimssuch as improvedcognitionand mental performance and improved physical performance andpost-exercise muscle recoveryare as of yet unproven.

With that said, the decrease insystolic blood pressurewas relatively small and the overall effect was relatively short-lived.

No changes were seen with respect to heart rate.

Sessions typically last for one hour.

Add-ons likered light therapy, thought to improve skin tone and reduce wrinkles, can increase the cost.

When to Avoid

While there are certain benefits of SDTT, the treatment isnt for everyone.

Other health claims are largely unproven.

Possible risks of SDTT include claustrophobia and possible ear infection.

When used for a prolonged period, sensory deprivation can lead to hallucinations in some people.

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University of Michigan Health.Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt).