5 surprising signs of stress you’re probably ignoring
Lesser-known signs of stress (photo: Freepik)
Chronic stress can hide behind everyday minor problems, from digestive changes and frequent colds to trouble concentrating. Experts have named lesser-known signs that indicate your nervous system is overloaded and requires timely attention, according to Eating Well.
Waking up with jaw pain
Unconscious tension and clenching of the jaw often occur during sleep, as your body processes stress by tightening jaw muscles and grinding teeth.
This habit, known as bruxism, can lead not only to jaw pain but also to headaches and increased tooth sensitivity over time.
If you regularly wake up with discomfort or jaw pain, it may be a signal that your stress levels are higher than you realize.
Digestive issues
The connection between the brain and the digestive system is strong, and the stomach is often one of the first places where stress manifests. Changes in digestion or bowel habits can indicate distress, as stress affects gut health.
The brain’s limbic system reacts to stress and signals the gastrointestinal tract, altering motility and secretions. This can cause discomfort, bloating, constipation, or sudden urges to use the restroom.
Frequent colds
Stress suppresses the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illness. This happens because stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol.
Prolonged stress maintains elevated cortisol levels, weakening the body’s immune response. Over time, the body focuses so much on managing the physiological effects of stress that it has fewer resources to fight off viruses and bacteria.
Irregular menstrual cycle
Women may experience delayed menstruation under chronic stress. A regular cycle is usually a key indicator of hormonal balance.
Chronic stress can negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which in turn impacts the ovaries and hormone levels.
Frequent forgetfulness
Prolonged cortisol circulation can cause inflammation and affect brain function. When stress triggers cortisol release, it also impacts insulin and blood sugar levels.
This chain of events can damage sensitive brain cells, interfering with memory formation and making concentration more difficult.
Excess cortisol from chronic stress can also cause nervous system inflammation, contributing to the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
