The consensus is in and despite a few bad experiences, sensory rooms, when utilized properly and under guided supervision, have been proven to be beneficial. The evidence seems to point unanimously at the improvement of both patients and students who use these rooms under the correct circumstances.
From a psychiatric point of view, more and more studies are being performed, outlining the benefits that are becoming harder to ignore with each day that passes. Among other things, these psychiatric studies are showing that padded sensory environments are helping patients to manage their emotions, reduce instances of distress and improve overall experiences within psychiatric wards.
No two sensory rooms are built the same, which allows for the right amount of customization, depending on the prospective user and the budget that any given organization might be working with. While the benefits are many, here are a few that have since been proven to be effective in treating both adults and children in these unique safe spaces.
Improved Focus and Regulation
For those that have difficulty focusing, these rooms and the equipment located within can help to encourage the behavior of concentration. By engaging with sensory modalities appropriate for specific needs, these rooms can provide a calming environment allowing them to regain control over their emotions and focus on what’s important.
Socialization
One of the stigmas surrounding the use of sensory rooms and calming spaces is that many believe that they must be used alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. For most patients and students, having a companion inside the room is a good thing and goes a long way to get the subject used to controlled socialization.
Reduction of Stress and Distress
In addition to being a huge help to the daily stresses, these rooms are often very helpful for new patients of psychiatry as they provide a smooth transition and a safe place to gather themselves whenever necessary. One study found that patients reported a 38% decrease in perceived stress levels after using a sensory room.
If the room is located within a facility, these rooms also have been proven to be beneficial in the onboarding process. By improving the admission experience, they can be used to bridge the gap with withdrawn individuals and encourage them to be vocal about their wants and needs.
With the growing need for these types of spaces along with the body of work that is being developed to justify them, it seems as though these sensory rooms are being considered by many. If you’ve got a potential project in mind, do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team who can help guide you to the best padded space for your facility.
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