AMA #7: Cold Exposure, Maximizing REM Sleep & My Next Scientific Studies

About this video

In this AMA on cold exposure, maximizing REM sleep, and his next studies, Huberman focuses in the excerpts on whether deliberate cold exposure can make you sick. He argues that brief exposure, which he describes as most people doing one to ten minutes followed by warming up, probably does not directly increase susceptibility, while cautioning beginners not to jump straight to ten minutes in very cold water. Huberman cites a study of cold-adapted humans exposed to 14 degrees Celsius water, which he notes is 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit, for an hour, finding one exposure did not significantly change immune function, but repeated exposure three times per week over six weeks showed trends toward increases in immune markers and cells including interleukin-6 and T lymphocytes. He emphasizes these were trends, not highly significant effects, and that translation to actual resistance to viruses is unknown, linking any effect plausibly to epinephrine and norepinephrine release.

Key takeaways

• Huberman argues brief deliberate cold exposure followed by warming probably does not directly cause illness.
• Huberman cautions beginners not to jump straight to long exposures in very cold water.
• Huberman cites repeated cold exposure showing trends, not significant effects, toward higher immune markers.
• Huberman emphasizes it is unknown how those trends translate to resistance to specific viruses.
• Huberman links possible immune effects to epinephrine and norepinephrine release.

Episode details: published May 31, 2023 · 138.4K views · 22:21 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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