How Float Therapy Reduces Stress by Lowering Cortisol Levels

If you've ever felt stressed, you're familiar with cortisol, the hormone responsible for your body's "fight or flight" response. While cortisol is essential for handling short-term stress, prolonged elevated levels can lead to issues like anxiety, insomnia, and weight gain. Luckily, float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels, helping manage stress effectively.

Float therapy, also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), has been scientifically shown to reduce cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels are often linked to chronic stress, anxiety, and various health problems like weight gain, immune suppression, and sleep disturbances. Here’s how…

What Happens When Cortisol Stays High?

Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands and is critical during stressful situations. However, when you’re constantly under pressure—whether from work, family, or other challenges—your cortisol levels remain elevated. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and even a weakened immune system. Over time, you may feel perpetually stressed and fatigued

(Float London) (Mind over Matter Practice)

How Floating Reduces Cortisol

Float therapy works by immersing your body in a warm solution of water and Epsom salts, creating a zero-gravity, quiet environment. This lack of external stimulation encourages deep physical and mental relaxation, reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels.

Research supports these claims. A study from the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found that float therapy significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels, which led to lower cortisol production ​(Float London). Another study, published in Biological Psychiatry, confirmed that float therapy can result in significant decreases in cortisol, improving recovery from stress​ (Float London).

Why This Matters

Lowering cortisol isn’t just about immediate stress relief—it’s about long-term health. Reduced cortisol levels can enhance sleep, boost your mood, and even alleviate chronic pain and inflammation. Float therapy also promotes better balance in your body’s natural rhythms, which is essential for both mental and physical recovery​ (Floatwell)​ (Mind Over Matter Practice).

Real-Life Benefits

Frequent floaters often report feeling calmer and more refreshed long after their sessions. The reduced cortisol levels give lasting effects beyond immediate relaxation, improving overall well-being​ (Hope Floats).

The Takeaway

Float therapy provides a natural way to manage stress by lowering cortisol levels. Whether you're looking for relief from work stress, recovery from intense exercise, or an improvement in mental well-being, floating can be an effective solution.

To learn more about the scientific studies, you can explore them here:

• Laureate Institute for Brain Research study on float therapy and stress

• Biological Psychiatry study on the effects of float therapy​ (Float London) ​(Mind Over Matter Practice).

In case you’re interested: 

In a study by Justin Feinstein at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, participants who floated regularly reported reduced anxiety and negative emotions, along with lower cortisol levels. Another study published in the Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine highlighted the benefits of floating for reducing stress-related symptoms and cortisol levels【Float London】