Float Therapy and Brain Waves: What Really Happens in Your Mind During a Float Session
- Rebecca Nolan Harris
- May 12
- 3 min read
Float Therapy and Brain Waves: What Really Happens in Your Mind During a Float Session
Have you ever wondered why you feel so calm, clear, and recharged after a float therapy session? It's not just the absence of distractions or the soothing silence—your brain is actually shifting gears. During float therapy, your brain transitions through different brain wave states, each associated with a deeper level of relaxation and healing.
Let’s explore what’s happening inside your mind while you float—and why these changes matter for your mental and physical health.
🧠 What Are Brain Waves?
Your brain is constantly producing electrical activity, and this activity shows up as “brain waves.” These waves vary in frequency, and each type is associated with a specific state of consciousness:
Beta (13–30 Hz): Normal waking consciousness, alert thinking, and problem-solving.
Alpha (8–12 Hz): Relaxed awareness, light meditation, and a calm but alert mind.
Theta (4–7 Hz): Deep relaxation, meditation, and the edge of sleep—often where creativity and emotional healing occur.
Delta (0.5–3 Hz): Deep, dreamless sleep and restorative processes.
🌊 The Float Journey: Brain Wave Changes Over Time
Here’s what typically happens during a 60- or 90-minute float session:
0–10 minutes: Adjusting & Transitioning (Beta to Alpha)At the beginning of your session, your brain is likely operating in Beta—alert and processing sensory input. As the external stimuli fade (no light, no sound, no pressure on the body), your brain begins to slow down into Alpha waves. This is the first sign that you’re relaxing deeply.
10–30 minutes: Relaxation Deepens (Alpha to Theta)As your body fully adjusts to the sensory-deprived environment, your brain begins to produce Theta waves. This is one of the most profound mental states, usually only accessed right before sleep or in deep meditation. Theta is associated with:
Enhanced creativity
Emotional processing and healing
Access to subconscious thoughts
Many floaters describe this part of the session as dream-like, with vivid thoughts or visuals—even though they're still awake.
30–60+ minutes: Deep Restoration (Theta and occasional Delta)As the session progresses, some individuals may drift into Delta wave activity—the same brain state experienced during the deepest stages of sleep. Even without falling asleep, the brain can enter a state of deep restoration. This can promote:
Reduced cortisol and stress levels
Muscle repair and immune support
Emotional reset and clarity
In longer sessions (75 to 90 minutes), more time is spent in these healing Theta and Delta ranges, amplifying the therapeutic effects of the float.
🧘♀️ Brain Waves as a Measure of Relaxation
The slowing of brain wave activity is one of the most accurate indicators of true relaxation. In our fast-paced, overstimulated world, most people rarely drop below Alpha waves while awake. Float therapy gives the mind the chance to power down—something most traditional relaxation methods can't achieve in such a short time.
Research shows that floating can increase Theta wave production by as much as 200% in a single session. This isn’t just about feeling calm; it’s about giving your brain the environment it needs to heal, process, and grow.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you're recovering from burnout, seeking a creative breakthrough, or simply craving a mental reset, understanding the brain wave shifts during float therapy shows how powerful the practice is.
It’s not just “doing nothing.” It’s a scientifically backed method of shifting your brain into healing mode.
Ready to experience a brain wave reboot for yourself? Book your float session today at Kairos Float & Wellness Studio and discover the power of intentional stillness.