Fight or Flight and Insomnia

The fight or flight response prepares your body to fight the lion or take to flight. As a result hormones are sent out to bring about major changes in your body. In part, blood and nutrients are sent to your arms and legs to prepare them to defend you or get you to safety.

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As long as the lion is chasing you, it is not in your best interest to feel sleepy. Nor is it in your best interest to even think about sleep. Instead, your hormones will prepare your body for action. As a result, you will not relax and allow sleep to ensue until the lion is no longer chasing you allowing the fight or flight response to end.

Understanding the connection between the fight or flight response and insomnia is crucial for eliminating insomnia. Why? Because it is where you need to start if you are going to eliminate the underlying cause of insomnia and attain better sleep health.

Coming Out of the Fight or Flight Response

To come out of the fight or flight response, you must think about something that does not provoke you. You cannot think about things that cause you to want to fight or take to flight. Finding relaxation techniques that counteract the fight or flight and insomnia cycle can greatly improve your ability to rest.

For example, it can be helpful to lay on your bed for a while prior to time to sleep. This will allow the blood to leave your arms and legs and return to your internal organs. Once this happens, the fight or flight response can end. Try some calm and soothing music or a silly movie while you lay down for a while. A relaxing conversation with a loved one can help as well.

Soothing Your Adrenal Glands

Soothing your adrenal glands may be necessary to come out of the fight or flight response and stop the insomnia. Ginseng, Licorice, B vitamins and Vitamin C are all needed to sooth the adrenal glands. Note that the licorice needs to be used with caution if you have high blood pressure. Why? Because licorice may make your blood pressure higher. Therefore, this approach may require the assistance of a qualified health professional.

Exactly What is Fight or Flight?

Changes The Body Undergoes To Prepare For Fight or Flight

Sleepless Nights Ended!