Harnessing the Benefits of Float Therapy for Managing Chronic Illness

November is diabetes awareness month. Here's a piece from Jess, one of our directors who has lived with type 1 diabetes from the age of 12, on how floating can help with diabetes management as well as other chronic conditions.

Float therapy, also referred to as reduced environment stimulation therapy (REST), has become increasingly popular for its potential to enhance relaxation and reduce stress. However, its benefits go far beyond relaxation, especially for those managing chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancers and arthritis. This article explores how float therapy can support individuals with Type 1 diabetes and other chronic ailments, both physically and mentally.

The Connection Between Stress and Diabetes

Living with Type 1 diabetes involves constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, diet choices, exercise and insulin administration. This continuous attention and decision making can elevate stress and anxiety, and cause fatigue or even burnout. A study from the Journal of Diabetes Care found that psychological stress can lead to a 30% increase in blood sugar levels for those with diabetes, complicating management efforts and creating a negative feedback loop.

A 2024 global survey conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that 77% of people living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition linked to their diabetes, and 79% have experienced burnout at least once. These figures are not dissimilar for many other chronic illnesses. One of the main causes of anxiety is the fear of complications and feelings of inadequacy when blood sugar levels do not fall into the perfect range. Healthcare generally focuses on the physical symptoms of disease forgetting about the person behind the numbers.

Physiological Benefits of Float Therapy

Improved Circulation

The warm water in the tank helps dilate blood vessels, enhancing blood flow. This can facilitate nutrient delivery to cells and support metabolic health. For those with chronic pain, this improved circulation reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

Chronic illness often comes with muscle tension and pain. The buoyancy of float therapy alleviates stress on joints and muscles, allowing for deep relaxation.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Feeling well rested enough to mindfully approach any challenges through the day is critical for those with additional complexities in illness. Float therapy can boost sleep quality by promoting relaxation and mitigating anxiety. Improved sleep can lead to a 20% increase in insulin sensitivity, which plays a critical role in blood sugar control.

Psychological Benefits of Float Therapy

Mindfulness and Mental Clarity

Whilst the physical benefits are a welcome addition, for me, the real magic of float therapy is in the mind. Floating cultivates mindfulness, empowering individuals to see their thoughts and feelings without distraction. This practice enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are essential for managing the emotional complexities of chronic illness. The space allows you to meet yourself behind the judgements, and re-frame your understanding of living with disease. Seeing your body for the magical and complex support system that it is.

The world we live in loves to create polarity, labelling things as good or bad, creating victims and stories that limit us as we move through life. Floating gives us the opportunity to step outside of those narratives, accepting our challenges and fostering a deeper connection with each present moment.

Things to consider when floating with a chronic illness

For those considering float therapy as a complementary approach to managing Type 1 diabetes or another chronic illness, here are some practical suggestions:

1. Let us know if you have a chronic illness : We may be able to offer some advice or modify the session. We can also let you know any emergency procedures so you feel safe to let go. If your condition doesn't go well with floating (such as unstable epilepsy or advanced kidney disease), we can advise you of alternative options.

   
   

2. Start Slowly: If you are new to float therapy and feeling cautious, consider beginning with shorter sessions. Gradually extend the duration as you become more comfortable.

   
   

3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: Take note of how float therapy affects your blood sugar levels. Keeping a journal can help track any changes to discuss with your healthcare provider. Be aware that if you have a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), this may not work in the water as the Bluetooth can be blocked. It's also nice to use the session as a break from technology. So consider a finger prick pre-float and leaving the phone off. If you do not have good hypoglycaemic awareness, we would suggest that you book a float for two so someone is with you incase of an unexpected hypo. If you use a tubed insulin pump, you will likely need to disconnect during the float. And we advise bringing spare infusion sets in case the water weakens the infusion site

   
   

4. Consult with Your Healthcare Team: Before trying float therapy, discuss it with your healthcare team to ensure it fits well with your diabetes management strategy.

   
   

Exploring the Potential of Float Therapy in Chronic Illness

Float therapy provides a unique and holistic approach to managing a range of chronic illnesses. Whilst my personal experience is in type 1 diabetes, we have many regular floaters with other conditions including fibromyalgia and arthritis. Whilst there isn't a lot of research to support all the benefits, if you're someone who has been under the care of the medical system for a long time, you'll likely be keen to try some non-pharmaceutical alternatives. Floating isn't a replacement for medical treatment, but integrating float therapy into your routine can offer additional support in facing the challenges associated with chronic disease.

Individual experiences vary, so try to approach float therapy with an open mind and a willingness to discover whatever it may have to reveal.