manipulating the vagus nerve

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  • The vagus nerve, as the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, regulates many involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, digestion, and immune responses.
  • In the context of hypersleep or suspended animation, manipulating the vagus nerve could theoretically be used to significantly slow down these functions, potentially mimicking a state of hibernation or torpor.
• Potential Relevance to Hypersleep/Stasis:
• Metabolic Suppression: The vagus nerve's role in influencing metabolism and vital functions like heart rate and respiration suggests it might be involved in controlling the deep metabolic suppression needed for extended periods of stasis.
• Organ Protection: The vagus nerve's anti-inflammatory properties might be crucial in preventing damage to organs and tissues during the potentially harsh conditions of suspended animation.
• Waking from Stasis: The vagus nerve's impact on mood, sleep, and potentially memory could be relevant in managing the challenges of waking individuals from prolonged periods of stasis, potentially alleviating disorientation and other side effects. 

  Oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors activate vagus nerve dependent gut-brain signalling

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• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50807-8