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Sympathoinhibitory Effect

Meaning

The Sympathoinhibitory Effect describes the physiological action that results in the dampening or reduction of efferent activity within the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the division responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This reduction in sympathetic tone is clinically desirable as it promotes a shift toward parasympathetic dominance, leading to decreased heart rate, reduced blood pressure, lower systemic cortisol levels, and enhanced rest-and-digest functions. Achieving this effect is central to managing chronic stress and its hormonal consequences.