Wikipedia: Isolation tank
Encyclopedia article on sensory deprivation flotation (isolation tanks, float pods)—mechanism and history context for float-HRV self-reports versus controlled clinical float trials.
Scope
Covers floatation REST hardware (Epsom-salt saturated water, dark quiet enclosures), history, and popular wellness framing—helps readers distinguish one-hour commercial floats from ice-water immersion or meditation-only protocols.
Evidence discipline
Quantitative pain, anxiety, or sleep claims now have a broad PRISMA survey anchor on float-therapy (Lashgari et al. 2025, lashgari-2025-flotation-rest-systematic-review)—still narrative synthesis across heterogeneous studies, not a replacement for indication-specific meta-analyses. The linked Fort Worth Float Company row remains N=1 WHOOP tier only.
Pairing
meditation-practice— overlapping interoceptive attention skills in some study designs.psychedelic-assisted-therapy— distinct pharmacology; do not merge evidence streams.
Outcomes
- Heart Rate VariabilityTertiary overview of the float environment; wearable HRV deltas during float weeks remain anecdotal until replicated in pre-registered clinical or field studies linked here.