{"id":9141,"date":"2024-11-20T11:28:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T09:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9141"},"modified":"2026-07-23T07:51:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T04:51:59","slug":"the-nervous-system-and-stress-as-a-stressor-affect-health-and-how-to-protect-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/the-nervous-system-and-stress-as-a-stressor-affect-health-and-how-to-protect-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"The nervous system and stress: how tension affects health and how to protect yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"116\"><strong data-start=\"87\" data-end=\"116\">How the nervous system works<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"231\">The nervous system is a complex network that controls the functioning of all organs and systems in the body. It is divided into:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"498\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"301\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"301\"><strong data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"271\">Central nervous system (CNS)<\/strong> \u2014 brain and spinal cord<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"386\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"386\"><strong data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"335\">Peripheral nervous system<\/strong> \u2014 nerves that connect the CNS to all parts of the body<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"498\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"498\"><strong data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"432\">Autonomic (vegetative) nervous system<\/strong> \u2014 regulates unconscious processes such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"712\">An important role in the stress response is played by <strong data-start=\"541\" data-end=\"572\"><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/autonomic-nervous-system-internal-vasculature\/\"   title=\"The autonomic nervous system: the master of internal balance\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"160\">autonomic nervous system<\/a><\/strong>, which is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. During stress, the sympathetic system is activated - a &quot;fight or flight&quot; reaction occurs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"763\"><strong data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"763\">What is stress from a neurophysiological perspective?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"1005\">Stress is not just emotional tension. It is <strong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"831\">neurochemical reaction<\/strong>, in which the brain activates the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands (the so-called <strong data-start=\"901\" data-end=\"913\">HGN-axis<\/strong>), which leads to the release of stress hormones: <strong data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"1004\">adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1007\" data-end=\"1029\">These hormones cause:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1164\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1057\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1057\">increased heartbeat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1092\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1092\">increased blood pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1116\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1116\">rapid breathing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1135\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1135\">vasoconstriction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1164\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1164\">increased attention and reaction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1216\"><strong data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1216\">How chronic stress damages the nervous system<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1365\">Short-term stress is a natural adaptive response. The problem arises when <strong data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1318\">stress lasts a long time<\/strong>, and the nervous system does not have time to recover.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1365\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9143\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect.jpg\" alt=\"brain illuminated in red, with nerve impulses\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/representation-human-brain-intellect-768x431.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1409\">The main effects on the nervous system:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1798\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1488\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1488\"><strong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1443\">Exhaustion <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/neuromediators-chemistry-emotions-memory-and-behavior\/\">neurotransmitters<\/a><\/strong> (serotonin, dopamine) - depression, anxiety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1537\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1537\"><strong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1508\">Sleep disturbances<\/strong> due to brain hyperactivation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1569\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1569\"><strong data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1567\">Chronic fatigue syndrome<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1570\" data-end=\"1636\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1636\"><strong data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1595\">Autonomic disorders<\/strong> (headaches, tachycardia, sweating)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1637\" data-end=\"1679\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1679\"><strong data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1677\">Impaired memory and concentration<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1714\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1714\"><strong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1712\">Eating disorders<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1798\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1798\"><strong data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1747\">Decreased neuroplasticity<\/strong> \u2014 decreased ability of the brain to adapt to new<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1863\"><strong data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1863\">Typical signs of stress overload of the nervous system<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"2119\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1909\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1867\" data-end=\"1909\">irritability, emotional instability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1938\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1938\">concentration problems<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1971\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1971\">insomnia or light sleep<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"2019\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2019\">constant anxiety for no specific reason<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2064\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2022\" data-end=\"2064\">muscle tension (especially in the neck and back)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2092\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2092\">decreased working capacity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2119\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2119\">apathy, depressive thoughts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2161\"><strong data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2161\">An example of the impact of stress on health<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2377\"><strong data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2176\">Situation:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2179\" \/>An office worker regularly works overtime, has limited rest, and is constantly communicating with clients. After a few months, he begins to experience constant anxiety, sleep problems, and chest pain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2582\"><strong data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2392\">Conclusion:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2395\" \/>The autonomic nervous system is in a state of hyperexcitation. Diagnosed <strong data-start=\"2471\" data-end=\"2497\">autonomic dysfunction<\/strong>. Psychotherapy, sleep normalization, physical activity, and B vitamins are recommended.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2584\" data-end=\"2644\"><strong data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2644\">What helps reduce the load on the nervous system<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%] flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<div class=\"table-scroll\"><table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<thead data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2747\">\n<tr data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2747\">\n<th data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2681\"><strong data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2657\">Method<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2747\"><strong data-start=\"2683\" data-end=\"2699\">Mechanism of action<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<tr data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2950\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2884\">Moderate physical activity<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2950\">Stimulates the production of endorphins, reduces <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/increased-cortisol-what-is-this-normal-the-reasons-for-this-diagnosis-are-revealed\/\">cortisol level<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"3051\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"2985\">Meditation and breathing practices<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3051\">Activate the parasympathetic system, reduce tension<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3052\" data-end=\"3153\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3052\" data-end=\"3086\">Regular sleep<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3153\">Restores neurotransmitter levels, reduces CNS excitation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3259\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3188\">Proper nutrition<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"3188\" data-end=\"3259\">Vitamins B1, B6, magnesium, omega-3 improve the functioning of the nervous system<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3362\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3294\">Psychotherapy<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3362\">Helps recognize stress triggers and form new responses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3397\">Limiting stimulants<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"3397\" data-end=\"3464\">Less caffeine, nicotine, and screens before bed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>Stress management is not a luxury, but a necessity. The nervous system does not have unlimited resources, and the sooner a person learns to reduce stress, the longer they will maintain mental clarity, energy, and mental health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How the nervous system works The nervous system is a complex network that controls the functioning of all organs and systems in the body. It<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":9142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zahvoryuvannya-ta-symptomy","category-imunitet-ta-profilaktyka"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9141\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}