Stress ,Sleeplessness and Inflammation-Their Effects

What is a Stress?

Stress is

• A natural response: Stress is a normal human reaction to a difficult situation, threat, or change. 
• A feeling of pressure: It can be a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure from events like work, relationships, or finances. 
• A body and mind reaction: It affects both your physical and mental well-being. 

Immediate effects

• When we face a stressor (may be a person or a situation), our brain sends a signal to release hormones adrenaline and cortisol, preparing our body for a “fight or flight” response .Thiscan increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, and can cause anxiety ,sweating and other physical changes due to release of noradrenaline hormone.

Long-term effects of Stress-

• High Cortisol Levels and Sleeplessness-Persistent stress put our body in a mode where it continuously release stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol .Low levels of cortisol is good for the body as it boosts immunity but when it is continuously released by the adrenal gland ,it leads to increase in blood pressure, anxiety,sleeplessness and insomnia.It weakens immune system,leads to cardiovascular diseases ,neurological disorders ,affects sleep-wake cycle and mental health.
• Oxidative Stress ,Inflammation ,Aging –Stress weakens our immune system means it reduces body`s ability to remove dead cells and repair damaged cells which lead to increase in free radicals .These free radicals creates oxidative stress which further leads to inflammation .Persistent stress creates Inflammation and inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.Inflammation accelerates the process of aging and age related diseases ,skin problems and hairfall.
• Gut Inflammation and Neurotransmitters-High levels of stress can reduce the protective mucus layer in the gut, increasing the close contact between bad bacteria and the intestine.This  disrupts the balance of the microbial ecosystem in the gut which causes inflammation and influence mental health as our intenstine has neurotransmitters which directly influence the brain functions.Quality of gut bacteria directly impact the performance of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) and metabolites that influence the central nervous system .

Symptoms of Stress

• Physical symptoms

Headaches or migraines

Muscle tension or pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw

Stomach or digestive issues

Fatigue or lack of energy 

Emotional symptoms

Feeling irritable, angry, or impatient

Anxiety, worry, or fear

Feeling overwhelmed or overburdened

Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities 

Behavioral changes 

Changes in eating habits, such as overeating or not eating enough

Withdrawing from social activities and people

Trouble with relationships or a decline in libido

Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope 

Sleep problems 

Difficulty falling or staying asleep and Sleeping too much. 

Cognitive issues

Trouble concentrating or “brain fog, Racing thoughts, and Difficulty controlling worry. 

When stress becomes a problem

• Too much: While some stress is normal, it becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief and the stress response is triggered too often or for too long. 
• Unpleasant: “Distress” is the term for bad stress caused by unpleasant events, which can lower your quality of life and make you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. 
• Coping is key: Learning how to cope with stress is important for supporting both your mental and physical well-being.