AMA #1: Leveraging Ultradian Cycles, How to Protect Your Brain, Seed Oils Examined and More

About this video

In the first Ask Me Anything episode, Huberman answers questions about ultradian cycles, protecting the brain, seed oils and more, with the excerpt focused on using ultradian rhythms for work and learning. He explains ultradian rhythms are rhythms shorter than 24 hours, typically discussed as roughly 90-minute cycles, and that he uses them for one to three focused bouts of hard cognitive or physical skill learning per day. Huberman says four such blocks is probably the sustainable maximum and unusual, and he advises expecting an opening warm-up period of imperfect focus followed by about an hour of deep focus within each block. He links the timing of morning and afternoon focus peaks to glucocorticoid changes, suggests removing phones and Wi-Fi where possible, and advises watching one’s own energy pattern for a day or two to find the best windows.

Key takeaways

• Huberman describes ultradian focus blocks as roughly 90-minute cycles for learning.
• Huberman says one or two focused blocks a day is realistic for most people.
• Huberman advises expecting a warm-up at the start of each block before deep focus arrives.
• Huberman links focus peaks to ultradian changes in the glucocorticoid system.
• Huberman recommends removing phone and Wi-Fi distractions during focus blocks.

Episode details: published November 2, 2022 · 194.5K views · 24:57 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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