Rest and digest

Definition

Rest and digest is a phrase used to describe the state in which the body's parasympathetic nervous system promotes activities that conserve energy, enhance digestion, and reduce stress. It triggers responses such as decreased heart rate, increased intestinal activity, and relaxed muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

Related terms

Parasympathetic Nervous System: Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for conserving energy and promoting maintenance activities in the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System: The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for intense physical activity, often termed as "fight or flight" response.

Autonomic Nervous System: A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions in the body, such as heart rate and digestion, without conscious effort