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Experience after Floatation-REST: Relaxation during floating mediates the afterglow effect.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Mind-Body Medicine

Background:

  • The term 'afterglow' describes positive mood post-altered states, often anecdotally reported after psychedelic use.
  • Research on afterglow effects, particularly following non-pharmacological interventions like Floatation-REST, is limited.
  • Floatation-REST involves sensory deprivation in a salt-water tank, promoting deep relaxation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the afterglow phenomenon following Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Technique).
  • To compare the effects of Floatation-REST with Bed-REST on psychological and physiological states.
  • To explore the relationship between in-session experiences and post-exposure afterglow.

Main Methods:

  • A crossover design study with 34 participants randomized to Floatation-REST or Bed-REST for 60 minutes.
  • Participants underwent both conditions in a counterbalanced order.
  • Data collected included subjective reports on body boundaries, time perception, relaxation, mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, and afterglow intensity.

Main Results:

  • Floatation-REST significantly reduced body boundary perception and increased time distortion and relaxation compared to Bed-REST.
  • Participants reported a significantly stronger afterglow, enhanced state mindfulness, and greater interoceptive awareness after Floatation-REST.
  • Mediation analysis revealed that relaxation experienced during floating fully accounted for the observed afterglow effect.

Conclusions:

  • Floatation-REST reliably induces an afterglow effect, characterized by heightened relaxation, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness.
  • The findings suggest Floatation-REST may elicit psychological effects similar to those reported after psychedelic experiences.
  • Relaxation during Floatation-REST is a key mechanism driving the subsequent afterglow, opening avenues for research into prolonged positive mood states.