A Waterbedtime Story™ by Irvin Saathoff
For some of us who grew up in the pop culture which evolved over the latter half of the 20th century, the mention of sensory attenuation or sensory deprivation might conjure up images of the 1980 horror movie “Altered States”. And while mid-century experiments involved extreme sensory deprivation (i.e. total darkness & sound proofing) which could cause hallucinations and bizarre thoughts, even without the use of drugs, more controlled reductions or removal of stimuli from one or more of the senses have evolved into more user friendly perceptual isolation environments often referred to as isolation tanks or float pools.
An open fiberglass float pool at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA allows subjects with clinical anxiety to float comfortably, without the apprehension one might encounter in an enclosed float environment.
Perhaps not so coincidentally, around the time “Altered States” was released, US flotation sleep waterbed sales were in their heyday. A waterbed and a sensory deprivation water chamber are both structures that use water to provide a unique physical experience. Both structures are designed to create a calming and soothing environment for sleeping and relaxation, but the methods and applications differ.
A waterbed is typically a large mattress filled with water, which is surrounded by a soft foam or rigid wood frame. This provides a comfortable and evenly distributed sleeping surface, and the water is heated and circulated to keep the temperature consistent. The feeling of lying on a waterbed is often described as “floating”, due to the buoyancy of the water. The advantage of sleeping in a temperature controlled waterbed is that you can stay dry during the experience.
Temperature controlled flotation sleep allows the body weight to be distributed more evenly over the surface, eliminating pressure on various parts of the body for deeper more rejuvenating sleep.
On the other hand, a sensory deprivation water chamber is a large tank of water that is used for therapeutic purposes. The tank is filled with a high concentration of epsom salts, which increases the buoyancy of the water and creates a weightless environment. The water is kept at a consistent temperature and is often kept in complete darkness. This environment is designed to reduce all external stimuli, allowing the user to experience a calming and relaxing state of deep relaxation...albeit soaking wet.
While a significant number of sports figures have reported their preference for sleeping on waterbeds over the years, “several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and New Orleans Saints reportedly use floating as a way to increase players’ quality of sleep as well as help with recovery.” Wikipedia
Softside fluid suspension mattresses look just like a traditional innerspring mattress, fit into conventional bed frames and utilize traditional sheets & bedding.
In conclusion both a flotation sleep waterbed and a sensory deprivation water chamber are designed to provide a calming experience, but they do so in different ways. The biggest difference is a waterbed provides a comfortable and evenly distributed sleeping surface in a dry environment, while a sensory deprivation water chamber gets you wet.
Contributing author for this edition has been specialty sleep veteran Irvin Saathoff. Check back in with the next issue when Waterbedtime Story™, sponsored by InnoMax Corporation, shares yet another perspective. Meanwhile you may connect with InnoMax Corporation anytime at Sleep@InnoMax.com.