Question

Why does it take so much longer for the body to calm down from a sympathetic response than it does to produce a sympathetic response?

Answer 1

The sympathetic nervous system makes up part of the autonomic nervous system, also known as the involuntary nervous system. Without conscious direction, the autonomic nervous system regulates important bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation, body temperature, sweating and digestion etc.

The sympathetic nervous system directs the body's rapid involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations.

The sympathetic nervous system can't quickly destress the body once the danger has passed. Another component of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, works to calm the body down. To counter the sudden response, this system encourages the body to "rest and digest." Blood pressure, breathing rate and hormone flow return to normal levels as the body settles into homeostasis, or equilibrium slowly.