What causes hand shaking when nervous?

Have you ever been in a job interview or an important meeting, and suddenly your hands begin to shake uncontrollably? Or maybe before a speech or presentation, despite hours of preparation, your voice quivers like you just ran a marathon. It’s not just the nerves talking; it’s also our body reacting physically to stress. But why does that happen? Let’s uncover the science behind shaky hands when nervous.

The Autonomic Nervous System

When we get nervous, scared or anxious about something, our autonomic nervous system (ANS) kicks into high gear without us even realizing it. This part of our brain controls all automatic processes within the body such as breathing rate, heart rate and digestion (1).

There are two branches within this system – sympathetic and parasympathetic (2). In times of stress and anxiety like during an exam or making a public speech, the sympathetic branch takes over leading to some common effects like increased heart rate (palpitations), sweating excessively even if the weather is cold (3). These reactions are typically referred to as “fight or flight” response.

Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Branches

Many people think that taking deep breaths can calm their breathing down but during fight-or-flight situations such as being on stage for example may sometimes activate different type of signals through yet another nerve network called Hering Breuer reflex which instead indicate lungs should take shorter sharp inhalations (4).

Opposite from what was mentioned earlier e-g calming effect on nerves by taking deep breaths stimulates parasympathetic branch, one other counteracting hormone produced by our adrenals called cortisol seems less effective with repeated cognitive testing sessions having cortisol levels reducing unusually lower than expected (5).

On arrival home after stressful day or event we are drained of acetylcholine, a chemical in our bodies which produces energy and is involved also with memory recall or attention(6).

Role of the Brain

The amygdala is an almond-shaped section in the brain associated strongly with emotions such as anger, love, hate and fear (7) . When it detects a threat or something that might cause us pain like standing up on stage or taking an exam, the signal travels to another part called hypothalamus (8).

Hypothalamus relays message through pituitary gland stimulating adrenal medulla – that small gland located actually above kidneys- into releasing adrenaline along with noradrenaline (9).

This hormone combo increases heart rate by binding onto beta receptors within cells sending out messages causing smooth muscle relaxation. By giving them commands to constrict they resume their regular pace uniting your body (vasoconstriction) consequently blood pressure won’t increase too much at once.

In addition dopamine assists slowing speech while cell-signals from basal nuclei preserve natural physical reactions (10).

Dopamine vs Noradrenaline/Adrenaline

Too much/less enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase production/DOPA decarboxylase present in certain regions leads to too little/much dopamine produced 11 – this can result in Parkinson’s Disease characterized partially by hand tremors.

When there’s excessive levels flowing similarly endocrine stress hormones catecholamines could provoke enhanced deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms [So ADHD people stand more chances having shaky hands etc.] not necessarily all behavioral patients containing motor abnormalities only 12 !

Hereditary Tremors & Essential Tremor

If you experience tremors throughout your life even if not under pressurized strain may be qualified as essential tremor. Also known familial form many times show genetic inheritance inherited trait but not always making things difficult for such people during general activities. Some environmental factors may also evidently play part in early induction of ET 13.

Inherited tremors actually observed in families originating from the Norwegian island of Rost, hence its alternative name – “Rost Syndrome.” research done on this brings out that gene linked to production RNA-transport regulator protein called TDP-43 elevated severity through disruption (14).

Conclusion

Our body does many things involuntarily and shaking hands when nervous is one of them too! It’s not something under our control, but being aware of it helps you understand what’s going on within ourselves even in high-pressure situations.

From understanding how autonomic nervous system controls physical processes within our bodies including breathing rate or heart rate coupled with various signals coming off Hering Breuer reflex initiating sympathetic vs parasympathetic branches giving rise to release cortisol steroid hormone though at times ineffective for cognitive testing purposes as well effects on Acetylcholine being a strong neurotransmitter gives insight into why we experience shaky hands when feeling anxious, excited or scared.

Hormonal combination released by the adrenal medulla increases heart-rate binding onto beta receptors situated throughout cells causing smooth muscle relaxation followed soon after by dopamine assist which checks speed/slowing speech preserving those natural responses meanwhile noradrenaline/adrenaline deliver vasoconstriction commands quickly avoiding sudden blood pressure increase!!!!

In certain confluences excessive endocrine stress hormones catecholamines can provoke more severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms thus hypothetical ability arises.

Essential Tremor however represents specific cases where shaking typically occur regardless stressful conditions often co-morbid with ADHD exhibited familially which could result thanks disruption-related complications according to available data about etiology related genes like RNA transport regulator-protein connected with ROST syndrome (named due ancestral habitat) uncovered recently after further analysis conducted amongst relevant groups so stay tuned!

The bottom line: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Your body is reacting in the way it knows best. Just take deep breaths and relax – and if your hands are still shaking, maybe hold onto a cup of coffee until you calm down!

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