Several years ago, following a deeply traumatic experience and subsequent diagnosis of PTSD, I found myself unable to sleep through the night. The relentless intrusion of anxious thoughts left me exhausted in the mornings, collapsing from exhaustion in the afternoons, and perpetuating a vicious cycle of anxiety and insomnia. According to a 2022 clinical review, half of individuals with anxiety also struggle with sleep disturbances, which can in turn exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist specializing in sleep medicine, explained that the polyphasic sleep pattern I had adopted – short naps throughout the day instead of one solid night of rest – could lead to symptoms of sleep deprivation, worsening memory, impulse control, and anxiety. He also noted that the lack of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in shorter sleep windows could impact overall health and well-being.
In search of relief, I tried various therapies and treatments, including traditional meditation and melatonin supplements, but found no lasting solution. Eventually, the toll anxiety-induced insomnia was taking on my personal and professional life prompted me to move back to my childhood home on an island for a change of scenery.
However, the change of location did not provide the relief I sought. It wasn’t until I discovered the therapeutic benefits of floating in the sea that I began to experience a significant improvement in my sleep patterns. Floating in the calm waters of the ocean allowed me to feel weightless and relaxed, bringing me back to a state of peace and tranquility that I hadn’t experienced in years.
Through further research, I learned that float therapy, also known as Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), involves limiting sensory input to induce deep relaxation. Studies have shown that float therapy can reduce anxiety and improve mood in individuals with anxiety and stress disorders. Dr. Justin Feinstein, a leading researcher in float therapy, explained that the float environment naturally slows down brain activity, allowing for a focus on present-moment sensations and relaxation.
While not everyone has access to a body of water for floating therapy, float spas offer a similar experience. Mindfulness activities such as body scan meditations, deep breathing exercises, or movement-based meditations like labyrinth walking can also help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. Creating periods of rest where the nervous system can relax and reset is essential for overall well-being.
