The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex regulatory network that controls involuntary functions essential for survival. It comprises two principal divisions: the sympathetic system, which ...

Each part of the nervous system uses internal checks and balances to regulate its activity, responding to various factors like mood, health status, and the external environment.¹ These regulatory ...

When a person is at rest, meditating or reading a book, the parasympathetic nervous system is at work. Also known as the "rest and digest" system, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for ...

One of the earliest insights into CNS regulation of cardiac function came from the work of Walter B. Cannon, who introduced the ‘fight-or-flight response’ and described the associated the ...

Co-written with Jai Liester. In recent years, research has illuminated the intricate connection between our gut and brain, revealing how this relationship significantly impacts mental health. Now, a ...

Dysautonomia is often caused by an underlying condition but can also be due to medications or toxins. Genetics also plays a role in some types of autonomic dysfunction. Share on Pinterest Maskot/Getty ...

Also called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy, dysautonomia refers to a group of medical disorders caused by problems with your autonomic nervous system (ANS). Your autonomic nervous ...

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high levels of sugar and fat in the blood damage the nerves that control the internal organs. According to a 2020 ...

Altered autonomic nervous system activity is linked to specific sleep disturbances, with distinct sex-based patterns.

Your autonomic nervous system helps regulate emotional balance, but chronic stress or trauma can trigger an overactive fight-or-flight response. Nervous system dysregulation refers to a condition in ...