After a good rest, blood pressure and blood sugar levels drop... What are the positive changes that occur in the body when you get a good rest?

 

Getting enough rest is fundamental to well-being. When we rest, our bodies experience a relaxation response. During rest, the parasympathetic nervous system takes charge of bodily functions, relaxing the body.

The parasympathetic nervous system is active during stress-free, comfortable, restful situations. It conserves energy by minimizing energy use and is responsible for essential bodily functions such as digestion and excretion.

Accordingly, the relaxation response occurs when we feel comfortable, secure, and safe. The feeling of being well-rested can actually block the negative effects of stress, benefiting both mental and physical health.

So, what happens in our bodies when we rest comfortably? Drawing on data from WebMD, a US health and medical media outlet, we explored the positive changes that occur in our bodies during rest.

 

“My heart rate slows down.” Stress triggers sympathetic nervous system activity. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for bodily functions in dangerous situations. This "fight-or-flight" response releases hormones called catecholamines and increases heart rate.

But rest tells our bodies it's okay to conserve energy. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing the hormone acetylcholine and lowering our heart rate.

 

“My blood pressure is dropping.” Stress hormones increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, temporarily raising blood pressure. The opposite occurs during rest.

When you have high blood pressure, relaxation techniques like meditation can help you manage stress and lower your risk of heart disease.

 

“Blood sugar control is better” Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels. Furthermore, if you have diabetes, the effort required to manage your condition can exacerbate stress. While it's not a substitute for medication, rest can help manage blood sugar levels.

 

“It’s easy to digest.” When stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, blood flows to larger muscles, putting digestion on the back burner. Rest reverses this process.

It also reduces inflammation, which can damage the intestines. Stress can trigger many digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome. Calming techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help alleviate symptoms.

 

“Breathing slows down” =People who are panicking are often advised to "take a deep breath." There's a reason for this: when you're stressed, your breathing becomes more rapid.

When your breathing becomes rapid, your blood carbon dioxide levels drop, which can lead to dizziness or weakness. However, resting slows your breathing. Slow, controlled breathing, about six times per minute, can help you relax.

 

“Your immune system works better.” Prolonged stress makes it harder for our bodies to fight off infections. However, adequate rest can help restore the immune system. Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group one by one, can be helpful.

 

“I sleep better” Sometimes, you feel physically exhausted but can't fall asleep. This state of being physically exhausted but mentally awake is a sign that you're still in fight-or-flight mode. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help initiate the relaxation response.

 

“The pain is lessening” Resting won't make the pain go away, but it can reduce its severity. Muscles feel less painful when they're relaxed. Furthermore, resting releases endorphins, chemicals that act as natural painkillers.

 

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Did you get enough rest over the weekend?

I think a lot of people are more tired on Mondays.

Getting enough rest... There are so many good changes happening in my body, but it's so hard.