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Sympathetic Nervous System Load

Meaning

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Load refers to the quantifiable measure of chronic or acute activation of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which is mediated by the release of catecholamines like norepinephrine and epinephrine. A high SNS load signifies a state of sustained allostatic stress, indicating that the body is operating under continuous physiological tension and is inefficiently utilizing its adaptive reserves. Chronically elevated SNS load impairs restorative processes, suppresses anabolic hormone production, and contributes significantly to sleep disruption and metabolic dysfunction. Reducing this load is a key therapeutic goal.