Understanding “Rest and Digest” Dominance in Kids
When you search online, you might come across claims that a brain favoring the parasympathetic “rest & digest” state is a win for your child’s health, but it's only a half truth. This dominant state can mean your child’s deep, subconscious brain has been under stress for so long that it’s now stuck in overdrive. Let’s dive into what this means and how to help your child find balance.
What Does Parasympathetic Overdrive Look Like?
When a child’s brain is in parasympathetic overdrive, you might notice some of these signs:
Colicky or fussy behavior as a baby
Ongoing struggles with poor sleep quality
Digestive issues, like tummy troubles
Skin conditions, such as eczema
Developmental delays where progress in occupational or physical therapy (OT/PT) seems to plateau
Frequent meltdowns with intense, overwhelming emotions
Severe meltdowns where your child seems to “black out” and can’t be reasoned with
Persistent anxiety
A “freeze” mode with signs of depression
These symptoms can be exhausting for both you and your child, but understanding the root cause is the first step toward healing.
Why Does This Happen?
A brain stuck in sympathetic “fight or flight” mode for too long uses up a ton of energy. To cope, it may shift into parasympathetic overdrive to conserve energy. But here’s the kicker: your child’s brain is still stressed! Even though it’s in “rest & digest” mode, the stress hasn’t gone away—it’s just showing up differently. Your child might still display everyday signs of stress, driven by their subconscious brain being in overdrive.
The Good News: Healing Is Possible!
The great news? Your child’s brain can find balance again. Here’s how the healing process works:
Swing Back to Sympathetic Mode:
The brain needs to briefly return to “fight or flight” mode. During this phase, kids often go through an emotional detox, where emotions may feel heightened. Don’t worry—this is a normal part of the process!Calming Down:
After the detox, the brain begins to settle, paving the way for something truly amazing.Vagus Nerve Activation:
The vagus nerve, which supports healthy “rest & digest” functions, starts firing correctly. This is when the brain and body begin to heal.
What Does Healing Look Like?
When the vagus nerve is functioning properly, your child may experience incredible improvements, such as:
Better emotional regulation
Improved digestion, with fewer tummy troubles
Deeper, more restful sleep
A stronger immune system
Reduced skin issues, like eczema
Enhanced social skills and better eye contact
Increased calm, peace, and happiness
Support for healthy development
Improved ability to process and move past trauma
These changes can feel like a breath of fresh air for your child and your family.
Ready to Bring Balance Back?
We’re here to help your child’s central nervous system shift out of overdrive and back into balance. By supporting their brain and body, we can bring calm, health, and happiness back to their life. Ready to take the next step? Let’s do this together!