Summary of Huberman Lab Podcast Episode: AMA #7: Cold Exposure, REM Sleep & Future Scientific Studies
— Description —
Discover the fascinating world of Dr Huberman as he explores the potential link between cold exposure and illness, shares tips for enhancing REM sleep, and conducts experiments to boost physical and mental performance This special episode offers a sneak peek into the Huberman Lab podcast, exclusively available to premium subscribers
Dont miss out on the full episode and other premium content by subscribing at hubermanlab.com/premium Plus, dive deeper into Dr Hubermans expertise with our compilation of his 27 most important episodes
Hosted by Andrew Huberman (@hubermanlab).
AMA #7: Cold Exposure, REM Sleep & Future Scientific Studies
Intro
- In this special episode, Dr. Huberman delves into various subjects such as the potential connection between deliberate cold exposure and illness, tips for enhancing REM sleep, and experiments to improve physical and mental performance
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Note, this is only a preview. The full episode is only available to premium subscribers
- If you’d like to subscribe to the Huberman Lab podcast premium channel, go to hubermanlab.com/premium
- Can’t get enough of Andrew Huberman? Check out our compilation of Andrew Huberman’s 27 most important episodes
- Host- Andrew Huberman (@hubermanlab)
Is It Possible to Get a Cold or Sick From Deliberate Cold Exposure?
- Deliberate cold exposure for 1-10 minutes, followed by warming up, is unlikely to directly cause illness
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Cold, dry air increases susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections
- Cold, dry environments can thin the mucosal lining of the nose and mouth, making them more susceptible to infections
- Deliberate cold exposure itself does not induce a cold or infection, assuming the water is clean
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If feeling unwell due to a cold, flu, or bacterial infection, it is recommended to avoid deliberate cold exposure
- Instead, warmer hot baths, hot showers, or saunas can be beneficial
- Avoid extreme heat exposure when feeling unwell, as it can be stressful for the body
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Extreme cold exposure (e.g., 14 degrees Celsius water for an hour) can increase immune system markers
- Repeated deliberate cold exposure over several weeks may lead to trends of increased immune system markers
- Effects of increased immune system markers on actual resistance to specific viruses or bacteria are difficult to determine
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Epinephrine and norepinephrine released during deliberate cold exposure can have pro-immune effects in the short term
- Chronic elevation of norepinephrine and epinephrine may have long-term pro-immune effects
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The protocols and guidelines for deliberate cold exposure can be found in resources such as the Huberman Lab newsletter
- Or, check out these Podcast Notes
- Overall, if feeling unwell due to a cold or infection, it is best to prioritize rest and recovery