What Is Nervous System Dysregulation? Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Michelle Lamansky
Jul 28
3 min read

What Is Nervous System Dysregulation? Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by something that seems small—like a messy kitchen or a short email? Maybe you’ve caught yourself snapping at loved ones or shutting down emotionally when things get too hectic. These aren’t personality flaws. They’re signs your nervous system might be dysregulated.

Let’s unpack what that means—and how to begin restoring balance.

What Is Nervous System Dysregulation?

Your nervous system is designed to keep you safe. It monitors for danger, helps you respond to stress, and brings you back to calm. But when your body gets stuck in stress mode, it struggles to return to balance. This stuck state is called nervous system dysregulation.

When dysregulated, your system either:

Speeds up (fight or flight): Anxiety, irritability, racing thoughts
Shuts down (freeze or collapse): Exhaustion, brain fog, emotional numbness
Gets stuck in a loop: Bouncing between high stress and total shutdown

Over time, this wears on your body and mind. And the worst part? It starts to feel normal.

Common Signs and Symptoms

You don’t need a medical diagnosis to know something feels off. If you relate to several of the symptoms below, your nervous system may be asking for support:

Constant fatigue or "wired but tired" feeling
Trouble sleeping, especially falling or staying asleep
Frequent headaches or digestive issues
Mood swings, overwhelm, or difficulty coping
Feeling easily startled, anxious, or spaced out
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
A tendency to people-please, avoid conflict, or over-function

👉 Your body knows before your brain does.

Take the quiz: Are You Stuck in Survival Mode?

What Causes Dysregulation?

You didn’t cause this—but you can heal it.

Nervous system dysregulation can be triggered by:

Chronic stress or trauma (including subtle, long-term stressors)
Lack of rest and nourishment
Disconnection from the body (living in “go mode” all the time)
Overstimulation from screens, noise, or multitasking
Unresolved grief, burnout, or emotional overload

Over time, these stressors erode your system’s ability to recover and regulate.

🌱 Solutions That Actually Work

Here’s the good news: regulation is a skill you can rebuild. It begins with awareness and gentle daily practices that signal safety to your body.

Here are a few simple ways to start:

1. Breathe First

Use slow, intentional breath to calm your system. Try inhaling for 4, exhaling for 6.

2. Anchor in the Present

Place your hand on your heart. Feel your feet on the floor. Let your body know: I’m here.

3. Create Gentle Structure

Your nervous system craves rhythm and safety. Add calming rituals like tea breaks, short walks, or screen-free time.

4. Nourish Your System

Eat real food, hydrate, and prioritize sleep. Dysregulation thrives when you’re depleted.

Ready to Reset?

You're not broken—and you're not alone. You just need a different approach.

✨ Try this Starter Course to begin calming your body and mind in just 10 minutes a day.

Want a deeper transformation? My full program, The Inner Balance Method, walks you step by step through regulating your nervous system, reclaiming energy, and feeling like yourself again.👉 Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when it's available.

📌 Pin This for Later:

Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation– Fatigue, overwhelm, shutdown– Trouble sleeping or relaxing– Emotional reactivity or numbing– Feeling disconnected or on edge

➡️ Take the Quiz: What’s Your Nervous System Style?

➡️ Start Here: Calm Body, Clear Mind Starter Course

➡️ Learn More: Inner Balance Method Waitlist