Today’s episode provides an introduction to how the nervous system works to create sensations, perceptions, emotions, thoughts and behaviors, as well as how we can change our nervous system—a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. The information sets the stage for all Huberman Lab podcast episodes that follow by covering neurons, synapses, brain chemicals and the rhythms that control our ability to focus, learn and sleep… and more. Thank you for your interest in science. We'll see you next week!

Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:25 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT

00:07:57 What is the Nervous System

00:07:25 Deja Vu

00:08:09 How War, Guns & Soap Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain

00:10:47 Jennifer Aniston Neurons

00:11:58 Sensations

00:13:30 Magnetic Sensing & Mating

00:14:51 Perceptions & The Spotlight of Attention

00:16:33 Multi-Tasking Is Real

00:17:45 Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Control of Behavior

00:18:38 Focusing the Mind

00:21:47 Antidepressants

00:25:01 Thoughts & Thought Control

00:25:56 Actions

00:30:40 How We Control Our Impulses

00:33:44 Neuroplasticity: The Holy Grail of Neuroscience

00:38:34 The Portal to Neuroplasticity

00:43:53 Accelerating Learning in Sleep

00:47:29 The Pillar of Plasticity

00:52:22 Leveraging Ultradian Cycles & Self Experimentation

00:57:17 Summary

00:58:03 Zero-Cost Support, Feedback, Reviews

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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