For long, it was assumed that the brain, without sensory stimulation, would pop off to sleep. But pioneering study by Dr. John C. Lilly in 1954, proved otherwise. His analysis supplied the foundation for further study into Sensory Deprivation.
What is Sensory Deprivation?
Sensory Deprivation means depriving the brain of sensory stimuli (of light, sound, smell and touch) by way of prolonged isolation in a dark room. If accomplished for brief periods, it can assist in meditation and relaxation, but excessively lengthy periods of Sensory Deprivation can induce hallucinations, depression, anxiety or bizarre thoughts. It is increasingly becoming employed as a type of option medicine, due to its potential to improve mental and physical well-being.
Techniques of Sensory Deprivation
Sensory Deprivation is also known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). This approach cuts-off or minimizes all external sense stimuli of light, sound, smell and touch. Two of the frequently utilized approaches are -
#1 – Chamber REST
In this approach, the topic lies on a bed in a entirely dark room using a really low-noise atmosphere, for up to an hour. You can find movement restrictions on the topic, although food, drink and toilet facilities are supplied in the room. The subject might be necessary to wear translucent goggles that let in light, but avoid him/her from seeing definite shapes and patterns. In addition, cardboard cuffs and cotton gloves have to be worn to decrease the sense of touch and U-shaped pillows are kept around the head to block out most sounds. Chamber REST outcomes in a state of relaxation; even so, it has been observed that just 15 minutes of this kind of Sensory Deprivation can bring about hallucinations in some people.
#2 – Flotation REST
This strategy was devised by Dr. John C. Lilly in 1954. It consists of the use of a flotation tank containing water mixed with Epsom salt at a particular gravity, which lets the subject’s body float in a supine position with no sinking. The water temperature is kept identical as that of the subject’s skin. The flotation tank is really a light-less and soundless room. This really is done to cut-off all sensory stimuli and induce a weightless state. Based on Dr. Lilly, external stimuli of gravity, light, sound and touch accounted for 90% of the central nervous system’s workload. By reducing the excess external stimuli, a person’s tension levels may be substantially reduced. Cost-free from the pull of gravity, every muscle inside the body can relax. These sessions can last for a minimum of 1 hour.
Benefits of Sensory Deprivation
By eliminating the external sensory stimuli, this technique reduces the central nervous system’s workload. The brain relaxes into a theta state (the dream-like state experienced just just before falling asleep) and, far more endorphins are released into the bloodstream. Increased levels of endorphins create a happy state of mind and feeling of well-being. It also makes the brain smarter and a lot more effective, enables an individual to process data a lot more clearly and improves concentration as well as creativity. It truly is valuable in easing different aches and pains plaguing the body. Flotation REST is beneficial for those attempting to quit smoking and alcohol too as relieves anxiety symptoms and depression. The Epsom salts are useful in reducing swelling and ease muscle tension. 1 hour of Flotation REST gives advantages similar to four hours of sleep.
Harmful Effects of Sensory Deprivation
Prolonged Sensory Deprivation can result in extreme disorientation, poor problem-solving capacity, depression, hallucinations, paranoia and severe anxiety. Perceptions can get distorted and brain-wave patterns which turn out to be slow throughout the process, take numerous hours to return to typical. All of this occurs since human beings need an optimal level of arousal. Too less of it, for that reason, can dull the senses. Prolonged Sensory Deprivation is utilized as a type of torture by police forces. It’s not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or have a fear of dark, enclosed spaces.
From the above, it may be concluded that Sensory Deprivation is really a controlled experiment that attempts to calm and clear the mind by lowering the load of sensory perceptions. This is achieved by artificially developing an atmosphere devoid of light, sound, smell and, occasionally, gravity, therefore freeing up a person’s mind and enabling him/her to experience calmness, silence and peace.
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