Experience after Floatation-REST: Relaxation during floating mediates the afterglow effect.
Iraklis Pantazis, Marc Wittmann
Consciousness and cognition April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2025.103836 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA crossover study with 34 participants found that 60 minutes of Floatation-REST (floating in a dark, quiet tank of thermoneutral salt water) produced significantly weaker body boundaries, greater time distortion, and more relaxation compared to Bed-REST. After floating, participants reported a stronger afterglow, more state mindfulness, and greater interoceptive awareness. Relaxation during floating fully explained the afterglow effect in a mediation analysis. These results align with psychedelic research, suggesting Floatation-REST can elicit similar afterglow experiences.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Crossover design Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | 34 participants (17 females, 17 males; average age 32.2) |
| Interventions | Floatation-REST Bed-REST |
| Duration | 60-minute session |
| Keywords | Afterglow Body boundaries Floatation-rest Interoception Relaxation |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key finding | Floatation-REST induced a significantly stronger afterglow than Bed-REST, and relaxation during floating fully mediated the afterglow effect. |
Abstract
The term "afterglow" originally described the heightened mood and relaxation following psychedelics and later extended to other altered states. Despite anecdotal reports, little research has explored this effect, especially in Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Technique). In this method, individuals float in thermoneutral, supersaturated salt water in a dark, quiet tank. Using a crossover design, 34 participants (17 females, 17 males; avg. age 32.2, SD = 8.8) were randomized to 60 min of Floatation-REST or Bed-REST (a control condition on a waterbed). Floatation-REST induced significantly weaker body boundaries, significantly stronger time distortion, and significantly greater relaxation. Post-exposure, participants reported a significantly stronger afterglow, significantly more state mindfulness, and significantly greater interoceptive awareness. Mediation analysis showed relaxation during floating fully explains the afterglow effect. These findings align with psychedelic research, suggesting Floatation-REST elicits similar effects and laying the groundwork for future studies on prolonged afterglow experiences.