Welcome to the “Hug Boat”: The How & Why of Deep Pressure Therapy

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the “alert” system in the body. This is the one in charge when we face a stressful situation during learning, playing, or making overwhelming decisions. Situations causing stress may be positive or negative. When our SNS is in charge for too long we experience frustration, anxiety, anger, tiredness, and overstimulation.

We need to activate our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). When we do, it brings a sense of calm and peace to our minds and bodies.  As deep pressure is applied to the body, the parasympathetic nervous system activates, relaxes, and calms the nervous system which restores feelings of safety and comfort. In our Zones of Regulation Room, students activate their PSNS in the “Hug Boat”. It is a soft inflated boat shaped seat that provides gentle deep pressure to the body as the student lays in it. Students may only require 5 minutes of “Hug Boat” time to regain self-regulation and continue on with a successful school day.