How Stress Affects Your Digestion, Mood, and Sleep, and What You Can Do About It
- Linda Nguyen
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Dr. Linda Nguyen, Chiropractor | Heal Thy Being Integrative Wellness
Have you ever noticed…
Your digestion feels “off” after a stressful week?
Your mood shifts quickly or feels hard to manage?
You lie awake at night even when you feel exhausted?
If so, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common ways that chronic stress shows up in the body, but many people don’t realise how deeply connected these symptoms are.
At Heal Thy Being, we help people just like you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to gently work with the nervous system to restore balance.
Your Body in Survival Mode
Your body is designed to help you survive. When it senses stress, whether emotional, physical, or chemical, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as “fight or flight.”
In short bursts, this response is protective and helpful. But when stress becomes chronic, this survival mode starts affecting your health in less obvious ways.
1. Digestion: Why Stress Makes Your Gut React
When you’re stressed, your brain tells the body to prioritise immediate survival. This often means:
Slowing digestion
Reducing stomach acid and enzyme production
Changing the balance of gut bacteria
Over time, this can lead to bloating, food sensitivities, irregular bowel movements, and general discomfort after eating, even if your diet hasn’t changed.
2. Mood: How Stress Impacts Your Emotional Wellbeing
Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol and adrenaline, the body’s main stress hormones.
While helpful in the short term, consistently elevated cortisol can:
Dull feelings of joy or calm
Heighten irritability or emotional reactivity
Contribute to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm
You might notice yourself feeling “snappy,” withdrawn, or just not like yourself. This is a chemical response, not a personal flaw.
3. Sleep: Why You Feel Wired But Tired
When the nervous system is in a hyper-alert state, it can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Even when you’re exhausted, your body may resist rest because it still perceives a need to stay vigilant.
This cycle can quickly become frustrating: Poor sleep → more stress → more sleep disruption.
The Good News: Your Nervous System Can Reconnect and Heal
Your body isn’t “broken.” The nervous system has an incredible capacity to regulate, heal, and adapt when given the right support. At Heal Thy Being, we use a gentle, specific approach to care that focuses on working with your nervous system, not trying to force it or “fix” symptoms.
Many practice members report feeling:
✔ More calm and emotionally balanced
✔ Better digestion and less discomfort
✔ Improved sleep patterns
✔ A greater sense of resilience and energy
Every person’s experience is unique, and outcomes can vary.
Ready to Move Beyond Survival Mode?
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re constantly in “fight or flight,” there are options.
We invite you to learn more about how we help people like you reconnect with their body’s natural healing rhythms, so you can feel calm, clear, and truly yourself again.
👉 Visit www.healthybeing.au to book a consultation or find out more. 📍 Located in Abbotsford
References
1. Porwal, K., & Ramteke, J. K. V. (2025). Enhancing serotonin levels through lifestyle interventions: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Physiology, Exercise and Physical Education, 12(2), 75–79.
2. Kim, S. M., Park, J. M., Seo, H. J., Kim, J., Noh, J. W., & Kim, H. L. (2022). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on adults with sleep disturbance: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 12(11), e058032.
3. Wang, Y., & Kasper, L. H. (2014). The role of microbiome in central nervous system disorders. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 38, 1–12.
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