The Science Behind Feeling the Calm: How Deep Pressure Touch Helps Regulate the Nervous System
Did you know that certain types of touch can help shift the body out of stress mode?
For many individuals including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing differences, deep pressure touch (DPT) can be profoundly calming. It stimulates the parasympathetic (rest and digest) part of our nervous system, which tells the brain: “You’re safe. You can slow down.”
Simply put, Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) helps the body shift out of survival mode (fight-flight-freeze) and into a state of calm. This shift can lower cortisol levels, slow the heart rate, and improve concentration. The gentle, firm, and steady pressure spread across the body feels similar to a reassuring hug from someone you trust.
Sommerfly’s weighted lap pads, wraps, and blankets are thoughtfully designed to provide calming, therapeutic pressure in a safe and gentle way, without overwhelming the senses. Like a trusted embrace, our weighted products promote grounding, comfort, and emotional regulation.
Whether you’re a parent, a therapist, or someone supporting an individual who benefits from nervous system regulation, this is care that not only supports comfort, but also overall well-being.
Because calm isn’t just a feeling, it’s a state of the nervous system.
With care,
Sommerfly®
