Modern understanding of insomnia increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many insomnia presentations.
The Nervous System in Insomnia
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to insomnia:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type insomnia
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by insomnia
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type insomnia
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Insomnia
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Insomnia
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving insomnia
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in insomnia