Sensory Deprivation: Is it Worth the Hype?
Whether you heard about it through Stranger Things, Joe Rogan’s podcast, or do not yet know about it, sensory deprivation is an interesting concept for many. This article will discuss the details of what sensory deprivation is, the effects it can have, and an increasingly popular way in which people are incorporating it into their normal routine!
What is sensory deprivation?
The purpose of sensory deprivation is to limit the amount of input and distraction caused by the stimulation and observation of our senses. This allows an easier time engaging in introspection and results in numerous other positive effects for the mind and body! Our five senses include taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch. Limiting the stimulation of these senses reduces the attention our minds must pay to the external world.
What does sensory deprivation do?
In our regular day-to-day lives, we are bombarded with stimulus demanding our attention almost constantly. This activates our sympathetic nervous system, in charge of our fight or flight response, which increases stress hormones and chemicals in our bodies. Having this system active regularly is incredibly bad for our long-term health. Sensory deprivation allows our brains to recognize that we are in a safe environment, instead activating our parasympathetic nervous system. This system boosts our production and release of endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that are vital for our positive feelings and emotions. It also helps to make meditation easier and encourage a meditative brain state.
Over time, regular activation of the parasympathetic nervous system positively impacts our mental health and physical wellness!
How are people using this knowledge to their advantage?
As the benefits of sensory deprivation have become more well-known, businesses have opened up hoping to provide this for their customers. Many spas now offer sensory deprivation tanks, also called float tanks, to give a weightless, soundless and sightless experience to those who have no means of achieving this at home. Whether you want a one-time session to give this new experience a shot, or want to go for monthly visits to make this a part of your self-care routine, float spas make it easy to experience the benefits of sensory deprivation.
Opinion: As someone who has floated in sensory deprivation tanks for over 4 years, I have found it greatly beneficial. Everyone’s experience is entirely unique, and many people have immensely transformative sessions in the tank. Floating has even allowed me to more easily meditate at home: providing me the opportunity to practice focusing and opening my mind in a peaceful environment so that I could continue to do so in a more hectic one. There are also many physical benefits to floating apart from the details I have given above.
To see if sensory deprivation is right for you, you can do further research on these benefits by asking spas to explain the benefits to you or through using Google Scholar to find studies showing the benefits of sensory deprivation.
DISCLAIMER: This piece has been labelled as an opinion piece. This means that parts or the entirety of the post may be based on opinion. As the reader, you are responsible for verifying the information presented in the article and speaking to an appropriate healthcare professional, as needed. By reading this, you understand that CCIPH is not liable for any damages that may arise.
