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