The human nervous system responds to stress in many different ways. Some people may develop migraine headaches, while others suffer from sleep deprivation or chronic fatigue. The connection between stress and nervous system health is complex: in some cases it's difficult to tell if stress causes the condition, or if the condition causes stress.

Sleep Deprivation

Chronic stress may lead to sleep deprivation and sleep disorders. Though sleep deprivation is not an actual sleep disorder, it can be a severe problem.

While chronic stress and worry may interfere with a good night's rest and cause sleep deprivation, sleep deprivation is in turn stressful. Poor rest results in impaired nervous system facilities, including mental abilities and mood. People may become irritable, suffer from fatigue, or be unable to accomplish tasks effectively. These symptoms of sleep deprivation result in further stress, which in turn worsens sleep deprivation. Without adequate stress management, the cycle of sleep deprivation and stress can lead to depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.

Stress, Depression and the Nervous System

Although the exact relationship between chronic stress and depression is unclear, most experts agree that a relationship exists. Current research points to a genetic sensitivity to stress: people possessing certain genes are more susceptible to the effects of stress on the nervous system, and therefore more prone to depression.

Relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress appear to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. People practicing relaxation techniques have lower incidence rates of anxiety and depression.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome causes fatigue, muscle pain, and depression-like symptoms. Common triggers for chronic fatigue appear to include colds, bronchitis and other infections. However, many people also report chronic fatigue after periods of chronic stress.

Migraine Headaches

Stress is the leading cause of migraine headaches. High stress events (such as holidays, work deadlines, etc.) often trigger migraine headaches. Studies also note that migraine headache sufferers report higher rates of stress and depression.

Stomach Woes: Stress and the Enteric Nervous System

The enteric nervous system controls gastrointestinal mobility (how effectively food and waste products are moved through the GI system). Stress interferes with the enteric nervous system, slowing or even stopping digestion. Diarrhea or constipation may result. Many intestinal disorder symptoms worsen due to stress, including stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal reflux disease.

Link to Alzheimer's?

Stess may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease by accelerating brain degeneration. Relaxation techniques are known to activate certain areas in the brain involved in attention, motivation and memory. Stimulating these areas is thought to have a protective effect against the neurodegenerative processes that are seen in Alzheimer's.

Resources

American Counsel for Headache Education. (updated 2001). Headache, stress, and "moods." Retrieved August 21, 2003, from www.achenet.org/women/stress/.

U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. (updated 2003). Anxiety. Retrieved August 21, 2003, from www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003211.htm.