This 'relaxing' therapy has led to panic, hallucinations, and even death
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“I [lost] my sense of time in a tank so I was in there for hours. Eventually figured out that something was not right and let myself out of the tank. It was dark outside and the staff had all gone home… Turns out that floating in Epsom salts for hours on end is very bad for you. I'd gone for the float after a nasty bout of flu which I was recovering from, the float incident put me in intensive care for the better part of a week.” — Reddit user @MadUmlungu
Seven years ago, the death of 28-year-old Aaron Traywick at a Washington, DC, spa rocked the world.[] Traywick reportedly took ketamine, lost consciousness while in a sensory deprivation tank, and drowned.
This incident raised significant concerns about the risks associated with extreme wellness practices, such as sensory deprivation therapy (SDT), and underscored the dangers “biohackers” face when experimenting with untested therapies to optimize their health.
SDT may offer some benefits...
Dave Asprey, a health science and biotech entrepreneur, and author often referred to as the "Father of Biohacking," explains to MDLinx that sensory deprivation can offer several benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, pain relief, and enhanced creativity.
He describes the experience as placing individuals into a meditative state, providing many of the same benefits as traditional meditation.[]
Related: The dark side of meditation: Mental health risksBut it’s risky
Despite its potential benefits, SDT does carry certain risks. One of the dangers is the possibility of drowning, which can be exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions.[]
Asprey points out that, “because the water in a float tank is saturated with salt, your risk of drowning is lower than it would be in a swimming pool—you naturally float even if you fall asleep. Plus, most float tank spas have measures in place to ensure your safety. The main downside of float tanks is skin irritation from the high salt concentration in the water.”
While a healthy person may naturally float, those with medical issues or panic disorders may face greater danger, a concern tragically highlighted in Traywick's case, where he was alone and unsupervised in the tank. Asprey also stresses the importance of having someone present when engaging in any type of therapy—whether it's infrared saunas, cold plunges, or float tanks.
Worsening mental health
Beyond the physical risks, SDT can have negative psychological effects as well.[]
Some users report experiencing anxiety, panic, or even hallucinations. Others may feel disoriented or trapped, particularly if they are not accustomed to the sensory isolation.
In an emergency, individuals in a float tank may find it difficult to escape or seek help. Individuals with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to both the physical and mental effects of such isolation.[][]
Alternative therapies like SDT are often conducted without professional supervision. Your patients typically use these treatments at their own risk, and in the event of a medical emergency, they may be left to fend for themselves. Traywick's case is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with biohacking and self-experimentation, where the extreme nature of such practices can amplify risks.
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