How Do I Know if My Nervous System is Dysregulated?
IF YOU'RE LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS...
like POTS, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, you’re probably familiar with the rollercoaster of feeling "always on" or endlessly fatigued—or both. The underlying issue? It could be nervous system dysregulation, a critical but often overlooked factor in chronic illness recovery.
The thing is, we know that POTS and other forms of dysautonomia are connected to nervous system dysfunction, but somehow the role of nervous system dysregulation itself often gets missed. Whether you’re experiencing chronic sympathetic activation (feeling wired and on edge), chronic parasympathetic/dorsal activation (feeling deeply fatigued despite resting), or oscillating between the two, your nervous system is most likely struggling to find balance.
WHAT IS NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSREGULATION?
Nervous system dysregulation occurs when the body has trouble shifting between survival states (fight-or-flight, freeze, or shutdown) and recovery mode (rest-and-digest). When it’s functioning properly, your nervous system smoothly shifts between these modes as needed, but things like chronic stress & trauma can throw this balance off.
For people with chronic illnesses like POTS, Lyme disease, Long COVID, and others, this dysregulation is often at the root of the dysfunction and symptoms.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IS DYSREGULATED?
When your nervous system gets stuck in a state of constant activation or shutdown, your body’s normal processes become hindered—leading to issues like fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety and much, much more.
So, what’s really happening here, and why is your nervous system stuck in this loop? It all comes down to a faulty stress response.
When the nervous system has been overwhelmed by past trauma, it can begin to register almost everything as a threat. As a result, the nervous system becomes “primed” to respond defensively, activating survival states like fight-or-flight, freeze, or shutdown even in the absence of real danger.
This faulty response keeps the body trapped in a cycle of stress and survival mode, making it difficult to move into true recovery. Over time, this relentless activation compounds stress, amplifies symptoms, and reinforces the loop of dysregulation.
COMMON SIGNS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSREGULATION
Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some signs your nervous system may be out of balance:
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, frequent headaches, digestive issues, rapid heart rate or palpitations, unexplained breathing difficulties, increased sensitivities to foods, difficulty regulating body temperature, insomnia, changes to appetite, unexplained weight changes.
Mental/emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, brain fog, memory difficulties, burnout.
Behavioral Patterns: Feeling constantly on edge, difficulty relaxing, restlessness, feeling detached and shut down.
This is not an exhaustive list but, if these sound familiar, nervous system dysregulation might be playing a bigger role in your symptoms than you realize.
HOW TO MANAGE NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSREGULATION
I’ve put together a powerful starter guide that takes you through the essential first step in rebalancing your nervous system. The Healing the Nervous System Part 1 eBook shows you how to track your unique nervous system patterns, helping you recognize cues and identify triggers—vital information for anyone looking to regain control and begin true recovery. Think of it as your roadmap to understanding what your system needs, so you can finally start moving toward healing.
Download the eBook here to access detailed strategies, exercises, and tips for free (just enter your email).
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION, REST, AND WHOLE-BEING SUPPORT
While specific nervous system regulation techniques can make a big difference, don’t forget about the essentials: balanced nutrition and overall lifestyle habits that support your whole being.
Check out The Resources for free-to low-cost guidance that'll help you build a strong foundation and set yourself up for success:
IN CONCLUSION
Addressing nervous system dysregulation is a journey, but it’s one worth taking. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a state of constant alertness, deep fatigue, or both, even small changes can add up over time and make a real difference.
If you haven't done it already, download my Healing the Nervous System eBook for a deeper dive into strategies and techniques that can help you find balance and start feeling more like yourself again. Because you deserve to move beyond just coping with symptoms and start reclaiming your life.
Sources:
McEwen, B. S., & Gianaros, P. J. Stress- and allostasis-induced brain plasticity. Annual Review of Medicine, 62, 431-445.
Perry, B. D., Pollard, R. A., Blakley, T. L., Baker, W. L., & Vigilante, D. Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, and "use-dependent" development of the brain: How "states" become "traits." Infant Mental Health Journal, 16(4), 271-291.
Porges, S. W. The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.
Van der Kolk, B. A. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
