What is nervous system dysregulation?
Signs and symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system
How nervous system dysregulation affects health
Approaches to restoring nervous system balance
The nervous system is a vast network of nerves that transmits signals throughout the body.¹ It’s composed of several interconnected subsystems, including:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- Somatic Nervous System
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey/Shutterstock.com
Each part of the nervous system uses internal checks and balances to regulate its activity, responding to various factors like mood, health status, and the external environment.¹ These regulatory mechanisms are essential to ensure the body runs as it should.¹ ² One key example is homeostasis—a process through which the nervous system helps maintain the body’s internal stability.²
Polyvagal Theory takes this a step further by proposing that the parasympathetic nervous system has two branches: the ventral and dorsal vagal systems.³ These branches are thought to influence both social behaviors and more primal responses like freezing during perceived danger.³ However, this theory remains debated in the scientific community.⁴
Neurological Disorders vs Neurodegenerative Disease
What is nervous system dysregulation?
Nervous system dysregulation occurs when the system isn’t functioning as it should.⁵ Different components of the peripheral nervous system may become overly active depending on someone’s emotional state, health, or environment.⁶
Normally, the two primary divisions of the autonomic nervous system—the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems—operate in balance.⁶ They jointly manage the body’s reaction to stress through a coordinated release of hormones and neurotransmitters.⁶ This coordination triggers automatic responses to perceived threats, preparing the body to respond without conscious effort.⁶
When the nervous system is dysregulated, one branch may become overactive, or the body may flip between the two states more quickly than usual.⁵ This can result in a persistent fight-or-flight state, marked by increased heart rate, muscle tension, and slowed digestion—often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.⁷
There isn’t a single cause for dysregulation. Instead, a combination of factors—such as chronic stress, trauma, inflammation, or medical conditions—can play a role.⁵ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ In some cases, dysregulation is temporary and situational. For others, especially those with dysautonomia (a group of disorders affecting autonomic function), dysregulation may be chronic.⁸
Development of the Nervous System
Signs and symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system
Dysregulation can show up in multiple ways—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Physical symptoms
Since the autonomic nervous system manages critical bodily functions like digestion, alertness, and heart rate, dysregulation often presents through physical symptoms.⁵ ⁶ Common examples include fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and disrupted sleep.⁵
Emotional and psychological symptoms
Due to its role in the fight-or-flight response, a dysregulated nervous system frequently leads to emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, or heightened sensory sensitivity.¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹² ¹³
Cognitive and behavioral changes
In addition to emotional symptoms, dysregulation can affect thinking and behavior. People stuck in a prolonged stress state may experience hyperarousal, difficulty focusing, or become hypervigilant.¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶
Hypervigilance, in particular, is when someone becomes overly attuned to their surroundings. They may struggle to filter out sensory input, leading to heightened sensitivity, anxiety, and reactivity.¹⁶ ¹⁷
How nervous system dysregulation affects health
The nervous system is a key link between the brain and the body, with the central nervous system relaying signals through a network of nerve cells.¹ ¹⁸ The autonomic nervous system further bridges mind and body by initiating stress responses like fight-or-flight.⁶ ¹⁹
Because of this connection, dysregulation can significantly impact mental health. For instance, research links autonomic nervous system function to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD.⁵ ²⁰ ²¹ ²²
Similarly, studies suggest a connection between autonomic dysfunction and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.²³
Frequent activation of the fight-or-flight response can be draining. Over time, chronic stress contributes to mental health challenges and physical health problems.⁵ ¹⁷ ²⁴ It can impair the immune system and increase the risk of developing chronic conditions.²⁴ ²⁵
In some cases, dysregulation appears in the form of dysautonomia, which includes disorders like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), Orthostatic Hypotension (OH), and familial dysautonomia. These conditions disrupt how the autonomic nervous system functions.⁸ ²⁶
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Approaches to restoring nervous system balance
Depending on the individual, there are several strategies for managing nervous system activity. Some emerging therapies include neurofeedback, somatic approaches, and breathwork, which may help restore regulation.²⁷ ²⁸ ²⁹
Neurofeedback training aims to support self-regulation by providing real-time feedback on brain activity.²⁸ While promising, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms.²⁸
Somatic therapies, which focus on body-based awareness and movement, may also help individuals reconnect with their internal state and regulate responses.²⁷ Breathwork techniques have shown potential to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.²⁹
Pharmacological approaches are another option. Beta-blockers, like propranolol, can reduce the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline and help regulate autonomic function.³⁰ ³¹
Ultimately, addressing nervous system dysregulation should be tailored to its cause. For instance, if dysregulation stems from trauma, a trauma-informed therapy approach is essential.³² If it’s linked to a medical condition like dysautonomia, care should be guided by a medical professional.²⁶ ³³
References
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Further Reading