When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones that make it harder to fall asleep.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAR 21, 2023
DYSREGULATION LEADS TO SLEEP ISSUES
It’s common to have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can be caused by many things, but one of the most common causes is a dysregulated nervous system.
The nervous system is responsible for regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle. So, when the nervous system is dysregulated, this cycle becomes disrupted, and this can lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
COMMON SOURCES OF DYSREGULATION & SLEEP PROBLEMS
There are many things that can cause the nervous system to become dysregulated. Stress is one of the most common triggers. When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones that can make it harder to fall asleep. Other triggers include changes in schedule, caffeine, and alcohol.
EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE SLEEP
The good news is that there are many things you can do to help regulate the nervous system and improve your sleep. One of the most important things you can do is to practice good sleep hygiene. This means creating a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool. It is also wise to avoid screens before bed and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene, you can also try stillness techniques such as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi. These techniques can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
By balancing the nervous system, you can quickly improve your sleep and overall health.
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 sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Neurological Fitness is the degree of balance, flexibility, and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that one's nervous system can be trained and strengthened, much like physical fitness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.