Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy Research Articles

Restricted environmental stimulation therapy in the treatment of essential hypertension

Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) has been useful in treating a variety of health-related problems, including obesity and cigarette smoking. The pilot project described in this paper used 24 hr of REST (darkness and silence) with four patients suffering from essential hypertension. Long-term changes have included lower blood pressure, a reduced need for medication, and improved coping with stressful life events.

The use of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) in the treatment of essential hypertension: Two case studies

The previous paper (Suedfeld et al., 1982, pp. 553–559) reported the use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in treating hypertension. This paper reports the response of two patients to 24 hr of a similar treatment offered as an adjunct to a weight-control program. In both patients blood pressure dropped immediately following the REST session and remained lower for up to 9 months. The initial drop in blood pressure was independent of weight loss. These results are interpreted in terms of a psychobiological model of self-regulation.

The effect of brief restricted environmental stimulation therapy in the treatment of essential hypertension

This pilot project investigated the effects of controlled frequent brief REST relaxation sessions on the blood pressure of three subjects with borderline essential hypertension. A flotation REST system was used, and subjects had 2 or 3 sessions weekly for 2 months. All three subjects had blood-pressure reductions of a clinically significant magnitude across the treatment and follow-up periods.

Study of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a treatment for autistic children

Study of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a treatment for autistic children