Essentials: Science of Stress, Testosterone, Aggression & Motivation | Dr. Robert Sapolsky

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode my guest is Dr. Robert Sapolsky, PhD, a professor of biology, neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University.  

We discuss different types of stress and how our perception of stress as harmful or beneficial largely depends on context. He also explains how testosterone amplifies pre-existing behaviors and tendencies, and he highlights the crucial role of estrogen in supporting brain and body health. We also discuss daily cognitive practices for stress mitigation and how modern life, influenced by social media and complex social hierarchies, shapes our responses to stress.

Articles

• Voluntary and involuntary running in the rat show different patterns of theta rhythm, physical activity, and heart rate (Journal of Neurophysiology)

People Mentioned

• John Wingfield: professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior, University of California Davis