Summary
In this episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast, Andrew Huberman discusses time perception and its impact on our mood, stress, and overall evaluation of our past, present, and future. He explains how exposure to light affects our internal clocks and provides tips to maintain circadian entrainment. The podcast delves into different types of entrainment, including circadian, circannual, and ultradian rhythms, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent period or phase of each 24-hour cycle.
The podcast also discusses the role of neurochemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in controlling focus and motivation during 90-minute work cycles. Dopamine and norepinephrine levels are higher in the early part of the day, while serotonin levels are higher in the latter half of the day, leading to different perceptions of the passage of time throughout the day. The podcast explains how disruptions to sleep can dysregulate dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin states, leading to a disrupted sense of the passage of time.
The podcast also explores the phenomenon of overclocking, where dopamine and norepinephrine levels increase to the point where our level of alertness is heightened and we perceive things as happening in ultra slow motion. However, this can lead to traumatic memories being stamped down into the memory system. The podcast emphasizes that dopamine is not necessarily a molecule of reward but a molecule of motivation, pursuit, and drive.
Finally, the podcast discusses how dopamine and serotonin can impact our perception of time. When dopamine levels are high, we experience things at a higher resolution, which can make uncomfortable experiences feel longer. Our perception of time is also influenced by novelty, with more novel experiences making us feel like we've been somewhere longer. The release of dopamine in response to unexpected events also influences our perception of time. Overall, the podcast provides insights into how we can control the speed at which we experience life and provides tools and protocols to enhance our ability to dilate and contract time.
