Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, but chronic and persistent stress can affect your health in many ways. Anxiety can impact your nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems.

Some physical effects of anxiety include chest pain, headaches, sweating and more. These symptoms are caused by the body’s stress response to a threatening situation and can have severe consequences for your health.

Chest Pain

Several causes can bring on chest discomfort. Some are critical and potentially fatal, while others are not harmful but call for testing and care.

Often, chest pain is associated with heart problems like angina or heart attacks. These health issues can cause blood to slam into the chest, creating sharp, stabbing pains that may spread to other body parts.

Many people who experience this type of pain think it’s a sign of a heart attack and go to the emergency room for help.

But several people with these chest pains also have anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions.

This is why you must talk with your doctor if you have chest pain related to anxiety or another mental health issue. Your doctor will ask questions about where your chest pain is, what makes it better or worse, and how long it lasts. They’ll also do a physical exam to see if you have other symptoms.

Headaches

Headaches are the most common type of pain, with more than half of the population experiencing them at some point. They can vary significantly in pain type, severity, location and frequency.

The pain you feel during a headache is caused by specific nerves in blood vessels and head muscles sending signals to your brain. It isn’t clear how these signals are turned on in the first place, but they are most often triggered by illness and stress.

Doctors can diagnose headaches by doing a complete medical history, physical examination and neurological tests. They could suggest a neurologist or another expert to you.

Some people get headaches due to changes in hormone levels during their periods, pregnancy and menopause. The hormones from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger them.

If you have headaches that last longer than three days or are severe, you need to see a doctor. They can help you identify your headache triggers and prescribe medication. They can also help you learn ways to prevent future attacks so you don’t need to take painkillers.

Sweating

Sweating is regulated by the hypothalamus in your brain, as well as a series of nerves and ducts that stretch from head to toe.  It is one of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The hypothalamus uses a combination of stimuli from hormones, environmental signals and circadian rhythms to send out the optimal sweat signal. Sweat is a natural bodily function that helps regulate your temperature. It’s also one of the most effective ways to keep your body hydrated, which is essential for nearly every organ’s health and well-being.

The amount of sweat your body produces depends on various factors, including your fitness level and age. Generally speaking, you will sweat more the more active you are.

For the most part, however, the best way to control your sweating is by making some lifestyle adjustments. For example, try to exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.

Digestive Issues

Everyone experiences digestive issues from time to time, such as stomachache, diarrhea or constipation. They can be unpleasant but usually resolve quickly. But, you must contact a doctor and be checked out if you frequently encounter these symptoms.

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is one of the body’s most intricate and extensive systems, stretching from your mouth to your rectum. It helps your body absorb essential nutrients and rid the body of waste.

Your GI system is also in direct communication with the brain. It sends signals to your mind through neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Stress and anxiety can also affect your digestive system. For example, if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, your stomach might be upset, triggering heartburn or abdominal pain.

Fortunately, researchers are learning more about how the gut and the brain interact. And they’re finding ways to improve the physical toll of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions that impact digestion.

Insomnia

Sleep deprivation is a common side effect of anxiety. While one night of poor sleep isn’t cause for concern, it can become a repetitive cycle that takes its toll over time.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Getting good sleep is essential, as studies show it helps improve mental performance and memory.

Make an appointment with your doctor to discover the cause of your insomnia and how to cure it if it doesn’t go away on its own. Your sleeping patterns and general living habits will be discussed with the doctor to determine whether they may contribute to the problem.

Along with doing standard screening exams for any health issues that could be causing your sleeplessness, the doctor will also listen to your heart and lungs.

The main emotional reasons for sleeplessness are stress, worry, and sadness. Nonetheless, everyday routines, sleeping patterns, and physical health are all important.