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Bruce McEwen (1990s)

Introduced the concept of Allostatic Load to explain the physical 'wear and tear' caused by chronic stress.

Hans Selye - General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Describes the body's response to stress in three stages: Alarm (immediate reaction), Resistance (coping/adapting), and Exhaustion (depletion of resources leads to illness).

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable static state in the body, like core temperature.

Allostasis

The body's ability to achieve stability through change and adapt to stressors.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative biological cost of repeated or chronic stress, influenced by sleep quality and lifestyle factors.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal system, the body's central stress response system.

Cortisol

A hormone that manages glucose for energy, suppresses non-essential systems, and when chronically high, can damage brain cells.

Circadian Rhythm

The internal 24-hour clock that regulates various physiological processes in the body.

Melatonin

The hormone associated with sleep signaling, levels increase in darkness.

Sleep Stages

Deep Sleep (NREM Stage 3) focuses on physical repair; REM Sleep focuses on memory consolidation.

Sleep Debt

The cumulative effect of insufficient sleep, increasing cortisol levels and stress.

Relaxation Response

Defined by Herbert Benson; a state of deep rest that counters the stress response.

Vagus Nerve

The primary nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating relaxation.

Mindful Breathing

A practice that stimulates the vagus nerve and lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

Gut-Brain Axis

The communication link between the gut and the brain, affecting mood and mental health.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself through regular practice, improving emotional regulation.

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

A protein that supports the survival of existing neurons and promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses.

Executive Function

Mental processes that help in regulating behavior and emotions, strengthened through movement.