To Örebro University

Objectives: Flotation-REST is a treatment for deep relaxation, where a person is contained in astimuli-restricted environment and floats in water with high salt content. The aim was to investigatethe effects from flotation-REST on people with insomnia diagnosis, as previous studies of flotation-REST have demonstrated some effects on sleep but have limitations regarding sample selectionsand sleep measures.

Material and Methods: Six participants were recruited through an outpatientpsychiatry clinic and posters on a university campus. All participants fulfilled criteria for insomniadiagnosis and four fulfilled criteria for major depressive disorder. Using a single case experimentaldesign, daily changes were investigated on sleep logs regarding sleep onset latency (SOL), wakeafter sleep onset (WASO), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency over the course of 12sessions consisting of 45 min of flotation-REST. No other treatments were offered simultaneously.Questionnaire data on insomnia severity (the ISI) and depressive severity (the MADRS) were alsocollected.

Results: Three participants improved on their most salient insomnia symptom (longSOL or WASO), and two improved on sleep efficiency. The improvements were maintained 2months after treatment. Insomnia severity decreased for three patients, whereas depressive severitydecreased for five. No changes in TST were found and two patients did not improve on any sleepmeasure. The two participants who benefitted the most were students in their 20s.

Discussion: Theresults were mixed. Flotation-REST may be beneficial for young adults with sleep-onset insomniabut more research is warranted.