When we think of stress, we often think of a busy mind, but stress isn't just a thought—it’s a physical, biological event. Your nervous system is the "wiring" that connects your brain to every organ in your body.
If you feel like you are doing the "mental work" but your body isn't catching up, you may be experiencing the physical symptoms of chronic stress. Understanding the connection between sleep, the gut, and the Vagus Nerve is the first step toward nervous system regulation.
1. The Vagus Nerve: Your Body's "Reset Button"
The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve in your body.
It is the "commander-in-chief" of your parasympathetic nervous system (the system responsible for your "Rest and Digest" response) which facilitates eating, digesting, and eliminating (going to the toilet). With this nerve “turned up” without relief; you can imagine what eating, digesting, and pooping is up to!
-
The Stress Link: When we experience trauma or chronic burnout and stress, the Vagus Nerve stays stuck in "Fight or Flight," even when you are safe.
-
Common Symptoms: A "tight" chest, difficulty taking deep breaths, or a persistent feeling of being "wired but tired".
-
Why it matters: Improving this is a cornerstone of trauma-informed care. It matters because without our basic ability to eat, digest, and eliminate, our body struggles, and on-comes the arrival of others symptoms such as aches, pains, insomnia, irritability, acne, cravings, tiredness, libido decreases, and more…….
2. The Gut-Brain Axis: Your "Second Brain"
Did you know that about 95% of your serotonin (chemical in the body that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion) is produced in your gut?
Your digestive system and your brain are in a constant, two-way conversation known as the gut-brain axis. Research even discusses that diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease can start in the gut up to 20 years before motor symptoms like “shaking” commence (Double et al., 2009).
-
The Stress Link: When your body detects a "threat," it diverts energy away from your stomach to your muscles. Over time, this leads to stress-induced digestive issues such as Irritable-Bowel syndrome (IBS).
-
Common Symptoms: Bloating, "nervous stomach," IBS, or feeling like your gut is "tied in knots" during work stress.
Working through your stress and concerns is key to regulating for vagus nerve and gut health. At Harmony and Health, we do this together with you, at your pace, to improve your overall wellbeing and health.
