Waking up tired despite enough sleep, frequent night awakenings, sweating, or feeling “wired but exhausted” are not always caused by stress alone. Experts explain that these signs often point to a dysregulated nervous system, where cortisol levels and circadian rhythm are out of balance.
When the body remains stuck in fight-or-flight mode even during sleep, true rest and recovery do not occur.
8 Sleep Behaviours You Should Not Ignore
– Waking up sweaty: Indicates elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels during the night.
– Teeth grinding or jaw clenching: A physical release of tension linked to anxiety, gut stress, and poor recovery.
– Frequent nightmares: Suggests brain overstimulation disrupting REM sleep.
– Sleeping with curled or “T-rex” arms: Shows the nervous system is still holding stress while resting.
– Talking in sleep: The mind continues emotional processing instead of entering deep sleep.
– Sleepwalking: A heightened stress response keeps the body active when it should be resting.
– Multiple night awakenings: Often related to cortisol spikes or digestive imbalances.
– Difficulty falling asleep: A sign that the cortisol rhythm may be reversed.
Psychiatrists explain that restless or fragmented sleep reflects an overactive sympathetic nervous system, while deep, uninterrupted sleep signals healthy parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation.
How to Regulate Your Nervous System for Better Sleep
Experts recommend simple, consistent practices to calm the nervous system:
– Slow diaphragmatic breathing to activate the vagus nerve
– Reduced screen exposure before bedtime
– Consistent sleep and wake timings
– Cold exposure, such as splashing cold water on the face
– Grounding techniques, including barefoot walking or sensory awareness
– Vagal nerve stimulation through humming, singing, or gargling
A well-regulated nervous system relies heavily on stable sleep cycles, balanced blood sugar, regular meals, physical activity, and 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health routine.