Weighted blankets and eye masks have moved from occupational therapy clinics into mainstream wellness. But the mechanism behind them is older than the products — it’s called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), and it’s one of the most well-studied sensory interventions in sleep research.
How DPS works
Deep pressure on the body activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the branch responsible for rest and digestion. This triggers a cascade: heart rate slows, cortisol (the stress hormone) drops, and serotonin rises. The body interprets even pressure as a signal of safety.
The research
A 2015 study in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health found that 63% of participants reported lower anxiety after using a weighted blanket. A follow-up study found reductions in electrodermal activity — a proxy for nervous system arousal.
The zzzshbase Weighted Eye Mask applies 180g of distributed weight across the orbital area, targeting the precise zone where tension accumulates during stress.
