TOP 7 NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSREGULATION SYMPTOMS

Learn seven common symptoms of nervous system dysregulation, and get practical steps to overcome it.

Loren Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
4 MINUTE READ
JAN 11, 2025

Understanding the symptoms of nervous system dysregulation is vital: when the nervous system is out of balance, it affects just about every aspect of our well-being.

And one major result of this is that you'll end up spending much more time in the dysregulated states of the NEUROFIT Ring below:

The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.

Here are seven common symptoms to watch out for.

1. Chronic Anxiety

A constant feeling of anxiety is one of the most common symptom of a dysregulated nervous system. It manifests as constant worry, often disproportionate to the actual events. You might [feel on edge](irritability_nervous_system), restless, or experience a racing heart.

Think of it as your body’s alarm system constantly ringing, even when there’s no immediate threat. Chronic stress is known to affect mental health and exacerbate anxiety.

2. Sleep Disturbances

Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? This could be another sign. A dysregulated nervous system makes it difficult for your body to switch off, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. This lack of rest further exacerbates stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.

According to Cleveland Clinic, poor sleep quality can significantly impact your mental and phsyical health.

3. Digestive Issues

Did you know your gut is often called your "second brain"? Digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, or IBS can indicate nervous system dysregulation.

Chronic stress impacts the gut's functions, throwing off the delicate balance of bacteria and affecting digestion.

4. Chronic Fatigue

Feeling constantly drained or tired, no matter how much you rest? Chronic fatigue often accompanies nervous system dysregulation. Your body is in a constant state of alert, which depletes your energy reserves. This persistent exhaustion can affect your productivity and overall quality of life.

5. Emotional Volatility

Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or sudden bouts of anger? Emotional instability is another symptom. When your nervous system is out of balance, it impacts your ability to regulate emotions. One moment you’re calm, and the next, you’re overwhelmed by intense feelings.

6. Brain Fog

Ever feel like you’re walking through a haze? Brain fog is a common symptom, making it hard to focus, think clearly, or remember things. Chronic stress impacts cognitive functions, leading to mental fatigue and reduced clarity.

WebMD confirms the ways that stress can lead to cognitive impairment and brain fog.

The NEUROFIT App's check-in feature lets you strengthen your mind-body connection, measure growth, and get personalized coaching insights.

7. Physical Pain

Unexplained aches and pains, such as migraines, neck tension, or back pain, can be linked to nervous system dysregulation. When your body is constantly stressed, it can manifest physically as psychosomatic pain, causing discomfort and pain without an obvious cause.

Real-Life Example: My Journey

After my father’s sudden passing in 2011, I experienced many of these symptoms. Chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive issues - you name it, I felt it. Despite my best efforts to manage, the symptoms persisted until I understood the importance of nervous system regulation. This realization led to the creation of NEUROFIT, where we focus on simple, effective ways to balance the nervous system.

Practical Steps to Address These Symptoms

Daily Check-Ins: Take a moment each day to assess how you’re feeling. Use this time to identify any signs of dysregulation.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps discharge excess energy and reduces stress. Even a 10-minute walk can make a difference. Our NEUROFIT App data shows that regular exercise supports a balanced nervous system.

-Somatic Exercises: Next time you're stressed out, use a somatic exercise like Body Tapping or Cannon. These quick nervous system exercises are designed to switch off your body's stress response in just a few minutes:

Body Tapping - Body tapping with balled fists to bring oneself back into the body.
Cannon - Powerful exhales and contractions to release excess energy.

The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.

Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Find out more about effective meditation practices.

Balanced Diet: Prioritize foods that support gut health and reduce inflammation. Think of leafy greens, lean proteins, and probiotics. A healthy diet is essential for nervous system balance.

Hydration: Ensure you’re drinking enough water. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of dysregulation. Proper water intake is crucial for maintaining nervous system health.

Social Play: Engage in activities that bring joy and connection. This can be as simple as playing a game or having a laugh with friends. Social play can help balance the nervous system.

NEUROFIT’s Approach to Nervous System Regulation

At NEUROFIT, we’ve designed our app to help you manage and reduce these symptoms effectively. With daily check-ins, personalized recommendations, tailored exercises and AI-guided coaching, you can significantly improve your nervous system health.

Our average active member reports 54% less stress after just one week on the app - highlighting the value of working on the nervous system directly.

The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.

Dysregulated Nervous System FAQs

How long does it take to see improvements in nervous system regulation?

While you may notice some changes within a week, significant improvements typically occur over six weeks of consistent practice.

Can diet really impact my nervous system?

Absolutely. Your gut health is closely linked to your nervous system. A balanced diet can support both your digestive and mental health.

Is my nervous system is dysregulated?

If you're experiencing symptoms like chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive issues emotional volatility, there is a good chance your nervous system may be out of balance.

What makes NEUROFIT different from other wellness apps?

NEUROFIT focuses on nervous system regulation to get you faster results with a bottom-up approach, using simple, effective exercises to bring immediate relief. Our neuroscience-based app provides personalized insights and tools to help you achieve lasting balance.

Understanding and addressing nervous system dysregulation can transform your life. By recognizing these seven symptoms and taking practical steps to manage them, you can achieve greater well-being and resilience.

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About The Author
Loren Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
Loren is a co-founder of NEUROFIT, and a Master Somatics + Business Coach with a decade of experience coaching thousands of clients worldwide.
After facing years of chronic stress, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation after a loss in her family, she launched NEUROFIT as a fast, effective and accessible solution to these challenges.
Today, the NEUROFIT app is used by 2,000+ leading doctors, therapists, and health coaches, reaching 100,000+ users in 100+ countries.
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