Sensory deprivation

The picture shows a female captive in a sensory deprivation by an inflatable latex hood

Sensory deprivation is the deliberate reduction or removal of stimuli from one or more of the senses. Simple devices such as blindfolds or hoods and earplugs or earmuffs can cut off sight and hearing respectively, while more complex devices such as mummification can also cut off the sense of smell, touch, taste, thermoception (heat-sense) and 'gravity'. Sensory deprivation has been used in various alternative medicines and in psychological experiments (such as an isolation tank).

Though short periods of sensory deprivation can be relaxing, extended deprivation can result in extreme anxiety, hallucinations, bizarre thoughts, depression and antisocial behavior.

See also

• Enclosure
• Mummification
• Isolation hood
• Body bag
• Earplug