5 Signs of Nervous System Distress: And what your body might be trying to tell you
Most people go through their day carrying tension they’ve stopped noticing.
They’re doing the best they can.
But their body is whispering—sometimes shouting—for attention.
At The Sound Spa, we see it all the time: high-achieving women, loving caregivers, people who’ve pushed through for years finally pausing just long enough to feel what’s really going on.
Our cells can’t communicate directly to us when they are in distress. But luckily, there are many signs that we can see when our nervous system is struggling.
Here are five common signs your nervous system might be under too much strain—and what can help.
1. You’re constantly on edge.
You’re not imagining it.
If you feel like you’re always “on,” can’t relax, or are easily startled, your nervous system might be stuck in high alert mode.
That fight-or-flight state? It wasn’t designed to be a 24/7 thing.
When you are stuck in fight-or-flight, you can’t seem to relax. You feel constantly on edge, even when nothing’s “wrong.”
Small things start to feel big. You struggle to unwind, even when the day is done.
This isn’t just stress. It’s your nervous system stuck in survival mode—what we call fight-or-flight. And it’s exhausting.
2. Sleep isn’t restorative anymore.
You go to bed tired… and wake up tired.
As soon as you lay down, your mind starts racing a mile a minute.
You feel wired but drained.
That isn’t just being “bad” at sleeping. That’s a nervous system in overdrive. When our body’s are in overdrive, it can be nearly impossible for our brains to shift into the deep delta waves that are necessary for deep sleep. This means our body doesn’t complete the restorative activities throughout the night that are necessary for optimal health.
Not only does a lack of deep sleep lead to health issues, but it also leads to a chronic cycle of caffeine to wake up and alcohol to wind down…. even further compounding the negative effects.
3. Your body feels tense, even when nothing is wrong.
Jaw clenched? Shoulders tight? Can’t figure out why your stomach is upset?
Stress is like carrying a back-pack and never putting it down. When stressed, our muscles tighten and get ready for battle. But there is never a release.
Tension is often unspoken stress. Your nervous system may be carrying what your mind hasn’t fully processed.
Even if your mind says you’re fine, your nervous system might be saying otherwise.
4. Your brain feels foggy.
You can’t focus. You forget simple things.
It’s not “just getting older”—it’s often your nervous system waving a red flag.
You lose your train of thought mid-sentence.
Simple decisions feel overwhelming. You wonder if this is just what aging feels like.
But cognitive fog is often a signal—not a sentence.
Stress floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the brain’s ability to focus, process information, and remember things. This overload makes it harder for your brain to think clearly, leading to that fuzzy, forgetful feeling.
5. Your mood swings fast.
Your emotions feel too big—or numb.
One moment you’re fine, the next you’re overwhelmed. You snap at someone you love, cry unexpectedly, or feel like you’ve shut down completely.
Emotional swings aren’t random—they’re often your nervous system saying, “I can’t hold it all anymore.”
That emotional volatility often traces back to nervous system fatigue.
Let this be your sign that now is the time for healing.
You don’t have to wait until you’re burnt out to care for your nervous system.
At The Sound Spa, we use restorative sound therapy to help you feel calm, connected, and fully present in your life again.
In our modern, tech-dependent world, taking time to regulate our nervous systems is crucial to living a healthy and vibrant life.
It’s not indulgent.
It’s intelligent self-care.
📅 Ready to give your nervous system the reset it’s been craving? Click here to schedule a session at our St. Peters, MO studio