Hidden Triggers That Could Disrupt Your Nervous System
Many people struggle with nervous system dysregulation without recognizing the root causes. Understanding hidden triggers is the first step toward creating lasting balance and vitality.
Let's explore some often overlooked factors that could disrupt the nervous system.
Digital Overstimulation
We're constantly bombarded with digital information, and our nervous systems are not designed to handle this level of stimulation. The blue light from screens, constant notifications, and the pressure to always be "on" can activate our sympathetic nervous system. This perpetual state of alertness can lead to:
● Difficulty sleeping and winding down
● Increased anxiety and restlessness
● Reduced ability to focus
● Physical tension and headaches
The solution isn't complete digital abstinence but rather creating healthy boundaries with technology. Try implementing tech-free zones in your home and designated periods for checking emails and social media.
EMF Exposure
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy created by electrically charged objects. Everyday sources range from household electronics—like phones, routers, and TVs—to larger-scale infrastructure such as power lines. EMFs can exist at various frequencies, including radio, microwave, infrared, and beyond. While these fields are a natural part of our environment, technological advances mean we’re often surrounded by more EMFs than ever before.
Overexposure to EMFs—especially at higher intensities—has been linked to headaches, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and heightened stress responses.
Tips to reduce EMF exposure
Keep Devices at a Distance: Avoid sleeping with your phone near your head or bedside table. Switch it to airplane mode at night or charge it in another room.
Unplug Unused Electronics: Television sets, routers, and lamps still emit fields even when powered down. Unplug or switch them off at the socket, especially overnight.
Power Down Wi-Fi: Turning off or unplugging your home router before bed reduces continuous RF emissions, making your sleep space calmer.
Check Your Settings: Some phones leave Bluetooth or GPS active in airplane mode, so verify that they are truly off when you want to minimize exposure.
Environmental Toxins
Our modern environment contains countless invisible stressors that can impact our nervous system. These include:
Chemical cleaners and personal care products
Poor indoor air quality
Artificial lighting
These environmental factors can contribute to heightened sensitivity and reactivity, sleep disturbances, unexplained anxiety, cognitive fog.
Tips to Reduce Environmental Toxins
Clean Up Your Air
Invest in a good air purifier to filter out dust, mold, and allergens.
Open windows daily to improve air circulation.
Add air-purifying plants like peace lilies or spider plants to your space.
Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Swap chemical cleaners for non-toxic options like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oil-based products. Or use nontoxic cleaning products from brands like Rooted Regimen or The Botanist if you’re in the UAE.
Avoid artificial air fresheners and use essential oil diffusers or natural beeswax candles.
Reduce Artificial Lighting
Use warm, low-blue-light bulbs, especially in the evening.
Avoid fluorescent lights and opt for LED or natural lighting when possible.
Dim the lights an hour before bed to signal your body that it's time to wind down. As a bonus, add red light bulbs to your lamps.
Detox Your Personal Care Products
Switch to natural shampoos, soaps, and lotions free of parabens and synthetic fragrances.
Create a "Clean" Sleeping Environment
Remove electronics from the bedroom to minimize EMF exposure.
Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light.
Chronic Low-Level Dehydration
Many people don't realize that even mild dehydration can significantly impact nervous system function. When we're dehydrated:
● Neurotransmitter production is affected
● Blood volume decreases, making our heart work harder
● Stress hormone levels increase
● Cellular communication becomes impaired
The solution goes beyond just drinking more water. Focus on starting your day with hydration; let that be your first drink instead of coffee. You can consume water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, etc. Hydrate and hydrate well; read this blog for more details on hydration.
Takeaway
Understanding these triggers is crucial for maintaining optimal nervous system health. Book a free discovery session with me to create a personalized plan for identifying and addressing your specific nervous system triggers.