Why does meditation do this?

[skinny91mp]

It's widely understood that we all need human interaction to stay mentally healthy and sane, if ine goes too long without it there could be deadly consequences. Meditation gives one the advantage of not needing this. Many prisoners and hermits have taken advantage of deep meditation to avoid going insane and developing mental health issues. Why does this work though ? Why does meditation lower the need for human interaction? Many people placed in solitary confinement say that meditation kept them sane. What is it about being in a meditative state that replaces the need for human interaction?