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Reduced sympathetic nervous system responsivity associated with the relaxation response
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 8, 1982
Summary
Practicing the relaxation response technique may reduce sympathetic nervous system activity. This leads to higher norepinephrine levels during stress, suggesting decreased end-organ responsiveness.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity is crucial for stress response.
- Norepinephrine is a key neurotransmitter in SNS function.
- The relaxation response is a psychophysiological intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the relaxation response on SNS activity.
- To assess changes in plasma norepinephrine levels under stress after relaxation training.
Main Methods:
- Experimental and control groups were exposed to orthostatic and isometric stress.
- Experimental group practiced a relaxation response technique.
- Plasma norepinephrine, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured.
Main Results:
- Experimental subjects showed significantly higher plasma norepinephrine during stress after relaxation training.
- No significant changes in norepinephrine were observed in the control group.
- Heart rate and blood pressure responses did not differ between groups.
Conclusions:
- Regular elicitation of the relaxation response may reduce norepinephrine end-organ responsivity.
- This suggests a potential mechanism for stress management through relaxation techniques.