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Comment by oxymoran | Hacker News Reader

What if we could “reboot” a schizophrenic brain through some sort of sensory deprivation?

I recently started going to a spa that has float tanks. It's the most relaxing thing in the world, and I highly recommend it.

While floating, the body is able to relax completely, and this has a profound effect on the mind. It really does feel like a reboot.

I did one and was completely angry the entire afternoon after.

I think I relaxed so much my body had to rebound to my normal state of frustration and anxiety.

This can definitely happen after things that are supposed to be relaxing. The key is to plan your day out so you don't do anything stressful right after. (unfortunately you probably still have to drive home afterwards)

this is hilarious. sorry for laughing

Laying in a salt bath can also dehydrate you, a lot.

I've felt particularly grumpy after a float session a couple of times and was able to remedy this by rehydrating.

Do you usually pay by the hour for these services? I'd like to try it but am pretty cost-conscious lately.

Usually you do. I was able to try one of them once via a Groupon or some such local coupon.

Only half-joking here: inflatable kiddie pool, bag of softener salt, and a tarp? Total < $100, brine should keep much from growing so I wouldn't think it would need too much maintenance.

There's also the issue of keeping it at body temp.

It's about $30 per hour in my area. I'd go every day if it were cheaper :)

Reminds me of an episode of House.

For some reason I have doubts that placing a schizophrenic person into sensory deprivation is going to have them emerge better off. Taking someone that is already out of touch with reality and further disconnecting them seems like it would push them further into schizophrenia.

One way I've heard schizophrenia described is that it feels like sensory deprivation; if you sit in an anechoic chamber for hours, you might start to "hear" the things schizophrenics experience in minutes instead. Sensory deprivation has been used as torture, so this does not sound like something you would subject people to unless they were 100% willing and motivated.

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