Although there are tons of lingo for different types of float tanks, they all work the same way. You climb in, the door closes, the water and Epsom salt solution fill the tank, and you float. Most importantly, the temperature inside the tank is set to match the average skin temperature.
The tank’s high salt content – about 450 kilograms of Epsom salt per float tank – allows you to float on the surface effortlessly. With its soundproof and lightproof features, the tank provides an environment of complete sensory deprivation, which can be extremely relaxing and therapeutic. Thus, many people use float tanks as a way to reduce stress and promote healing.
In recent years, float tanks have gained popularity and are used for a variety of purposes such as reducing stress, pain relief, improving sleep and concentration, and floatation therapy. While there is some debate surrounding the efficacy of floatation therapy, proponents argue that the tanks offer a unique environment that can help to promote physical and mental well-being.
For athletes, the lack of gravity can help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. For people with chronic pain, the sensation of floating can help to distract them from the pain and promote relaxation. And for people with sensory processing disorders, float tanks can provide a much-needed break from the overstimulation of everyday life.
Whether used for relaxation or therapeutic purposes, floatation tanks offer a unique experience that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
AIR VS WATER TEMPERATURE IN ISOLATION TANKS
Float tanks need to manage both air and water temperatures in order to provide the best experience for users. Most isolation tanks are filled with around 30cm of water that is heated to match the average human skin temperature, which is around 35 degrees Celsius.
Less than or more than these tank temperatures can cause discomfort for users. If it’s below 33 degrees Celsius, you’ll most likely feel cold and won’t be able to relax. If it goes above 37 degrees Celsius, you’ll start to feel hot and sweaty, which can also ruin the float experience.
Likewise, It’s also true for the air temperature inside the tank. If it’s too cold, you’ll start to feel chilly and won’t be able to relax. If it’s too hot, you’ll start to feel stuffy and again, won’t be able to relax. The air temperature for almost all float tanks is kept at around 24-26 degrees Celsius as well.
The key to a good float experience is to find the perfect balance between air and water temperatures. This can be tricky to do on your own, which is why at TH7 BodyLabs, we have a set up the room perfectly to ensure your float session is the best one yet.
After all, the goal of floating is to relax and feel comfortable, so the last thing we want for you to experience is to be too cold or too hot. When both the air and water temperatures are just right, you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of floating without any discomfort.
WHY IS FLOATATION TANK WATER TEMPERATURE IMPORTANT?
Similar to what we have mentioned above, the water temperature inside a floatation tank is extremely important because it can make or break the entire experience.
First, the temperature helps to create an environment in which it is easy to achieve deep relaxation. When your body is immersed in warm water, your muscles immediately begin to relax, and blood flow slows down. As a result, it becomes much easier to fall into a state of deep relaxation.
Second, the temperature of the tank water helps to keep your body from becoming overheated during the session. Your skin is highly permeable, and when it comes into contact with warm water, it can absorb heat quickly. If the water inside the floatation tank is too warm, this can lead to discomfort.
Finally, the temperature of the water plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of buoyancy that allows you to float effortlessly. If the water is too cold, it will be difficult to maintain this balance.
WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL FLOAT TANK TEMPERATURE?
The best median temperature for float tanks is around 35 degrees Celsius as this broadly matches the temperature of our outer skin. This is the perfect spot to achieve a skin receptor neutral temperature, resulting in deep relaxation and a comfortable experience.
To maintain the optimal floatation tank temperature, we use a highly precise and accurate control system that monitors the water temperature constantly. This ensures that the water is always at the perfect temperature, so you can relax and enjoy the full benefits of floating.
FLOAT TANK AIR TEMPERATURE
Not only the water temperature but also the air temperature is set to match the water temperature. We do this because the air temperature can have a significant impact on your perception of the water temperature.
A few degrees of change in air temperature can make a big difference in your entire floating experience as they will have an impact on your perception of the water temperature.
This is the reason why it’s important we make sure that both the air and water temperatures are set on same perfect temperature with each other to provide the best experience for our customers.
HOW DO FLOAT TANKS RELATE TO CORE TEMPERATURE?
When you’re in a floatation tank, your brain is relieved of the stimuli “it’s constantly processing” This leads to what’s called an “alpha state” of relaxation. As your body relaxes, your brain temperature begins to drop. And as your brain temperature drops, so does your core body temperature.
The drop in core temperature can have a profound effect on the body. It increases blood flow and circulation helps to reduce inflammation, and can even boost the immune system.
While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, it is thought that the combination of isolation and immersion in warm water leads to a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, which in turn leads to a decrease in core temperature.
This calming of the sympathetic nervous system has also been shown to lead to reduced levels of stress hormones, improved recovery from exercise, and increased levels of endorphins.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL: HOW THE SENSORY DEPRIVATION TANK DEPRIVES YOUR SENSES
In simple terms, the deprivation tank deprives your senses by removing all external stimuli. This includes the removal of light, sound, touch, and gravity.
The removal of these stimuli allows your brain to relax and reach a state of deep relaxation. When your brain is free from the constant barrage of stimulation, it can reach a state of calm and peace.
One of the ways in which the deprivation tank achieves this is by maintaining constant water and air temperature. This ensures that your body is not constantly trying to regulate its temperature, which can be a source of stress and anxiety.
By removing this stressor, your body is able to relax more deeply and reach a state of deep relaxation. This can lead to a number of health benefits, as mentioned above.
FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
The combination of water and air temperature is a personal preference and requires experimentation. Some people prefer a warmer water temperature, while others find it more comfortable to float in cooler water. Other factors on the day (outside temperature, time of year, etc) will also influence this decision.
The important thing is to find what works for you and what allows you to relax and enjoy the full benefits of floating. Here’s where TH7 BodyLabs can help.
We take care in getting our temperatures right for each customer’s preferences and our experience has shown that doing so leads to a much more enjoyable and beneficial experience for all.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about our flotation tank services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Come and give us a try.
