A list of 10 of the most common ways to tell if your nervous system is dysregulated.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
2 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
A dysregulated nervous system can manifest in a variety of ways. Some people may experience anxiety, while others may feel constantly on edge or even experience incessant worry. There are a number of signs that can indicate that someone has a dysregulated nervous system.
WHAT IS A DYSREGULATED NERVOUS SYSTEM?
A dysregulated nervous system is one that is constantly in a state of either fight-or-flight or shutdown/freeze. This means that your body is in a constant state of stress or shutdown, which can lead to a whole host of health problems.
So how do you know if you have a dysregulated nervous system? Here are a few signs to look out for:
YOU’RE CONSTANTLY ON EDGE & CAN NEVER RELAX
If you're always feeling on edge and have trouble relaxing, it's a sign that your nervous system is in overdrive. You might find yourself jumpy or startle easily. You might also feel like you're always on the lookout for danger, even when there is none (i.e “I’m not safe” or “The world is not a safe place”).
YOU’RE ANXIOUS OR STRESSED
If you’re constantly feeling anxious or stressed, it’s a sign that your nervous system is out of balance. Chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.
YOU’RE CONSTANTLY TIRED AND HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING
If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or you feel tired after a full night’s sleep, it could be due to a dysregulated nervous system. When your nervous system is out of balance, it can cause insomnia and other sleep problems.
YOU HAVE DIGESTIVE ISSUES
This one is often overlooked but if you're constantly dealing with digestive problems, it's a sign that your nervous system is out of balance. Stress can lead to things like heartburn, gut issues, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.
YOU HAVE A HARD TIME CONTROLLING YOUR EMOTIONS
If you find yourself crying easily or flying into a rage, it's a sign that your nervous system is out of balance. When your body is in a constant state of stress, it can be hard to control your emotions including - anger, resentment, sadness, fear, guilt and shame.
UNRESOLVED ACHES & PAINS
Chronic pain is a common symptom of a dysregulated nervous system. People with chronic pain may experience a constant ache or throbbing. The pain may be worse at certain times of the day, such as in the morning or at night.
YOU GET SICK OFTEN & EXPERIENCE FREQUENT INFECTIONS
If you're always getting sick, it's a sign that your body is under constant stress. When your immune system is constantly being taxed, you're more likely to get sick. Frequent infections, such as colds and flu, can be caused by a dysregulated nervous system and a weakened immune system.
YOU HAVE TROUBLE CONCENTRATING ON TASKS
If you find it difficult to focus or concentrate, it could be a sign of a dysregulated nervous system. When your nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to problems with attention, concentration and cognitive function.
YOU’RE ALWAYS IRRITABLE
If you’re always feeling irritable or on edge, it’s a sign that your nervous system is out of balance. This can often be paired with conditions like anxiety and depression.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NeuroFit is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
The nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. The nervous system controls many of the body's involuntary activities, including movement, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, stress response, and digestion.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Chronic stress is when a person experiences long-term, persistent strain on the nervous system, an environment which often leads to physical and mental health problems.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.