From: hubermanlab
In the fascinating expanse of how humans perceive the passage of time, neurochemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin play pivotal roles. They modulate whether we experience time as moving quickly or slowly, offering insights into both conscious time perception and our underlying neurobiology.
Dopamine and Norepinephrine: Fine-Slicing Time
Dopamine and norepinephrine are two key players in the regulation of time perception. Both are closely interlinked within the brain’s biochemistry, with dopamine being a precursor to norepinephrine. These neurochemicals are particularly integral in determining how finely we slice time. Increased levels of dopamine lead to an overestimation of how much time has passed, a phenomenon observed in both humans and animal studies. When dopamine or norepinephrine levels rise, people tend to believe that a given duration, say a minute, has passed more quickly than it actually has. This arises because dopamine increases our internal frame rate, much like increasing the frame rate on a camera, allowing us to perceive events in a slowed down, detailed manner. Essentially, our brain’s clock is beating more rapidly, making time appear to move slower on the outside world while on an internal level, it seems accelerated [00:34:45].
The effect of norepinephrine is akin to that of dopamine due to their biochemical kinship. Both chemicals can drive our internal sense of time at a faster pace, a useful mechanism in moments requiring heightened awareness or focus, such as during a potential threat or challenging task [00:35:45].
Serotonin: Slowing Down the Clock
In contrast, serotonin has the opposite effect on time perception. When serotonin levels are elevated, individuals tend to underestimate the passage of time. That is, they perceive the time intervals to be shorter than they truly are. For instance, in situations where serotonin is prevalent, such as when under the influence of substances like cannabis, individuals are more likely to misgauge a five-minute interval as being longer than it actually is [00:37:21].
Serotonin, acting as a modulator, reduces this internal frame rate, contributing to a more relaxed state where time seems to pass more quickly than perceived. This offers a contrasting experience where individuals may find the day flies by during states associated with increased serotonin levels.
Circadian Influences on Neurochemical Balance
Interestingly, these neurochemical systems do not operate in isolation; they are intricately linked with our biological clocks. Circadian rhythms inherently divide the day between blocks dominated by dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the morning, and serotonin in the latter part of the day. This intrinsic shifting may explain why people often feel more alert and focused on detail-oriented tasks earlier in the day and more lethargic or creatively open as the day progresses [00:38:50].
The Paradox of Fun Experiences
A fascinating aspect of how neurochemicals influence time perception is seen in the paradox wherein enjoyable, varied experiences seem to pass quickly in the moment but are remembered as being long and full when reflected upon in the past. This paradox links back to dopamine, which increases with novelty and excitement during positive experiences, leading the immediate perception to feel fast-paced. However, when these experiences are recollected, they appear extensive and detailed due to the detailed recording facilitated by the elevated dopamine [00:58:00].
Conclusion
Overall, understanding how these neurochemicals govern the fine details of time perception provides a window into the complex workings of our brains as they interact with the passage of time in multifaceted ways, deeply influencing our behavioral and emotional responses to the world around us. By recognizing these patterns, we can leverage them to align tasks with our natural neurochemical ebb and flow, potentially optimizing productivity and well-being throughout the day.