The Vagus Nerve

Vagus Nerve Stimulation has caught a wave of enthusiasm. There are so many benefits that are being discovered tapping into this 10th Cranial Nerve that touches almost every major organ in the body. It is also believed that Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which innervates the whole body, and its altered function may influence almost all body systems. As we age, there are changes in autonomic nervous system function and characterized by increases in sympathetic and decreases in parasympathetic nervous activities, starting a cascade of many problems. The study by Bretherton et al. (AGING 2019) found that daily tVNS (Transdermal Vagus Nerve Stimulation) for two weeks improved measures of autonomic function, and some aspects of quality of life, mood and sleep. These findings are incredible!