Article

Time Perception & Entrainment by Dopamine, Serotonin & Hormones | Huberman Lab Podcast #46

author image

Saya Team

neuroscience
psychology
health
productivity
well-being
clock icon5 min read

Brief summary

The Huberman Lab Podcast #46 explores the intricate relationship between dopamine, serotonin, hormones, and time perception, revealing how these elements influence our experience of time, affect our mood and performance, and how understanding their interplay can enhance daily life through tools and protocols.

Highlights

Dopamine and serotonin critically influence our perception of time, where increased dopamine can make us overestimate elapsed time, while serotonin can lead to underestimations.

🕰️

Our internal clocks, including circadian rhythms and ultradian cycles, are deeply intertwined with our neurochemical states, affecting our mood, energy levels, and cognitive functions.

🚀

Engaging in novel and varied experiences can make time feel as if it's passing quickly in the moment, but in retrospect, those periods seem longer and more filled with content.

⏱️

Habits and routines can be strategically used to trigger dopamine release, effectively marking time intervals throughout the day and aiding in time management and productivity.

🧠

Understanding the neuroscience behind time perception offers actionable insights into enhancing our daily lives, from improving focus and creativity to effectively managing stress and boosting overall happiness.

Quotes

  • `“`Our perception of time is perhaps the most important factor in how we gauge our life.`“`
  • `“`We can control the speed at which we experience life. We can slow things down or we can speed our experience of life up.`“`
  • `“`The more dopamine that's released into our brain, the more we tend to overestimate how much time has passed.`“`
  • `“`Habits serve as a very good way to incorporate the dopamine system so that you divide your day into a series of what I would call functional units.`“`

Get your free summary in seconds

Start free trial

Key Ideas

Introduction to Time Perception

play icon

00:14:00

Time perception is crucial to how we evaluate our lives, influenced by neurochemical states that affect mood and stress.

The Role of Dopamine and Serotonin

play icon

00:44:00

Dopamine and serotonin regulate time perception, where dopamine increases lead to overestimations of time, and serotonin leads to underestimations.

Circadian and Ultradian Rhythms

play icon

00:28:00

Our internal clocks, including circadian and ultradian rhythms, are synchronized with external environmental cues, affecting mood and cognitive functions.

Influence of Novel Experiences

play icon

00:52:00

Novel and varied experiences can distort time perception, making moments feel fleeting in real-time but extensive upon reflection.

Leveraging Habits to Mark Time

play icon

01:00:00

Strategically placed habits can serve as markers for time intervals throughout the day, enhancing structure and productivity.

Q&A

How do dopamine and serotonin influence time perception?

Dopamine can make us overestimate elapsed time by increasing the frame rate of our experiences, while serotonin leads to underestimations of time by batching experiences into larger intervals.

What is the significance of circadian and ultradian rhythms in daily life?

Circadian rhythms synchronize our biological processes with the 24-hour day, affecting mood and energy, while ultradian rhythms suggest optimal focus and work periods are around 90 minutes, followed by a rest.

How do novel experiences affect our perception of time?

Novel and varied experiences, often associated with increased dopamine, can make time feel as if it's passing quickly in the moment but, in retrospect, make those periods seem longer and more content-filled.

Why are habits important in structuring our day according to neuroscience?

Habits can trigger dopamine release, serving as markers for time intervals throughout the day. This structuring not only aids in productivity but also segments our day into functional units based on our neurochemical state.

Share this article

Start learning smarter today!

Don't let vital information from videos slip away. Begin your journey to efficient learning now.