Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionsActivating Parasympathetic ResponseDysregulation SymptomsPSNS Organs and NervesSupporting Your PSNS
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Functions
Activating Parasympathetic Response
Dysregulation Symptoms
PSNS Organs and Nerves
Supporting Your PSNS
Theparasympatheticnervous system (PSNS) is part of yourautonomic nervous system, which includes the nerves andneurotransmittersthat control your body’s internal organs to maintain reliable function and survival.
The autonomic nervous system regulates a constant balance between the parasympathetic nervous system’s rest-and-digest functions and thesympathetic nervous system’s fight-or-flight functions.
What You Need to Know About the Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System Functions and Responses
Your parasympathetic nervous system includes nerves and neurotransmitters that are distributed throughout your body. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers.
Your parasympathetic nervous system is often described as promoting your body’s rest-and-digest state. Typically, your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems collaborate to control your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. The body requires constant functioning and adjustment of both of these systems.
Some of the parasympathetic nervous system functions include:
All of these functions are adjusted based on your body’s needs. For example, your pupils constrict to see clearly when you look at details up close, and they can quicklydilate(widen) when you want to look at something farther away. Another example of quick regulation is when you are taking a leisurely walk and then speed up your pace or run inside when it starts to rain.
How to Activate the Parasympathetic Response
You can sometimes focus on promoting your body’s parasympathetic activity with effort, such as stretching, slow movements, listening to calm music, meditation, prayer, and similar activities.
If you frequently feel anxious or stressed and have a hard time relaxing, you might need guidance from a therapist or coach to help you learn to engage your parasympathetic nervous system more deliberately.This can involve activities such as guided meditation or talk therapy, which can help you discuss and work through your fears and anxieties.
Understanding Dysautonomia
Dysregulated Parasympathetic Nervous System Symptoms
Some medical conditions are associated with dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Heart disease, respiratory disease, sleep disorders, mental health conditions, and behavioral conditions are often associated with overactive or underactive parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system regulation.
Many mental health and physical health disorders can involve fluctuations of symptoms that involve the autonomic nervous system. For example, anxiety disorders can cause bouts of overeating as well as loss of appetite and episodes of indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptoms of dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system may include:
Any of these symptoms can develop very quickly and can also resolve quickly. Most people experience symptoms or parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction when an unexpected stressful event happens, and the response would be considered normal in frightening, shocking, sad, or anxiety-provoking circumstances.
Drug EffectsMedications or drugs may induce parasympathetic overactivity or underactivity that could last until the substance is broken down and removed from the body.
Drug Effects
Medications or drugs may induce parasympathetic overactivity or underactivity that could last until the substance is broken down and removed from the body.
Location of PSNS Organs and Nerves
The parasympathetic nervous system involves nerves that release hormones and neurotransmitters and nerves that respond to hormones and neurotransmitters.
Parasympathetic activation and response include:
The vagus nerve, one of the cranial nerves, is closely associated with parasympathetic nervous system activity. It runs from the brainstem down to branch into the throat, heart, lungs, and digestive system.
Several surgical and medical interventions and alternative therapies intended to regulate the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system are targeted toward regulating and controlling the activity of the vagus nerve.
Can Stimulating the Vagus Nerve Actually Transform Your Health?
How to Support Your PSNS
Living with any type of parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction can be challenging. If you have heart disease or lung disease, your healthcare providers will evaluate your medical condition and will likely recommend surgery or medication to control your symptoms and avoid life-threatening complications.
If you are living with a mental health disorder or behavioral disorder that is associated with any dysregulation of your parasympathetic nervous system activity, you may benefit from a combination of behavioral interventions and medication to help control your symptoms for the long term.
Summary
The parasympathetic nervous system, also described as the rest-and-digest portion of the autonomic nervous system, is essential for survival. The parasympathetic component of your nervous system involves organs and cells that release neurotransmitters that help your body maintain survival functions, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, relaxation, thinking, and sleep.
While most people don’t have to think about their parasympathetic nervous system on a regular basis, you can exert some level of regulation to maintain a relaxed state and avoid excessive agitation, stress, anxiety, and dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
If you experience symptoms of parasympathetic instability, it’s important to see a healthcare provider so you can get the right diagnosis and start a treatment regimen.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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