The body can react tochronic stressin multiple ways.
This article discusses some of thephysiological symptoms associated with stress.
Physiological Symptoms of Stress
Below you will find a few physiological symptoms that may accompany ongoing stress.
Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images
Fatigue
Many people suffer fromfatigue, which can be attributed to stress.
Understandably, it is difficult to get much done when you constantly feel drowsy or drained.
Reducing stress levels can help with managing fatigue.
For example, a study found that regular physical activity helps with sleep quality and lessens fatigue.
Poor Sleep
Sleepplays an essential role in human homeostasis (i.e., stable bodily functioning).
Mindfulnessstress-reducing techniques can benefit those who experience difficulty sleeping due to stress.
Researchers discovered that an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program improved sleep quality for cancer patients.
Commonly, headaches are a cause of stress.
The most common headaches aretension headachesandmigraines, both of which are associated with stress.
About one billion people suffer from migraines.
These may be occurring because of stress.
“These changes in cardiac control can result in altered heart rates and the experience of heart palpitations.
It can also affect how the body manages acid, which is why stress can trigger acid production.
Most research on stress and abdominal pain explores this connection in children.
Researchers found shared experiences of abdominal pain in children and adolescents in stressful environments, especially with IBS.
However, muscle pain can also be attributed to stress.
Stress can lead to chronic muscle tension, contributing to pain.
Weakened Immune System
When experiencing chronic stress, you may find yourself getting sick frequently.
Stress can have a significant impact on theimmunesystem’s functioning.
Within the past few decades, researchers have taken an interest in stress’s effects on the immune system.
2017;17(1):167.
2016;77:7-11. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2016.02.001
Han KS, Kim L, Shim I.Stress and sleep disorder.Exp Neurobiol.
2020;20(1):93.
Published 2020 Mar 13. doi:10.1186/s12883-020-01654-y
