Performance Nerves
Can you describe the mechanism that leads to performance nerves as it applies to performing musicians? Specifically, is adrenaline the sole cause of physical shaking and/or tightening in stressful situations, or are other chemicals such as cortisol/acetylcholine also involved? How do levels of adrenaline brought on by various stressors compare to those brought on by caffeine/cold exposure etc.? What are some methods to employ or avoid given the goal of achieving similar levels of focus, physical relaxation and fine motor coordination both in stressful moments of performance and work bouts in preparation for performance? 2-Can you comment on mechanisms of “beta blockers” such as propranolol and how these might be interact with caffeine and other compounds that improve focus?
Biological function of tachykinin increase after isolation
In your amazing episode with Dr. David Anderson you two discussed tachykinin increases following social isolation and how this led to aggression in rats (or maybe it was mice). I know you've mentioned this increase in tachykinins before and was curious what you think is a plausible mechanism for this? Would this have evolved as a defense mechanism after being separated from one's "tribe"? The possibility that the NEXT encounter would be threatening is very high, which may account for the biology. Just wondered what you thought. As always, thanks for all you do!
Sleep advice for someone who wakes prematurely
I have listened to all of your content around sleep and tried most of it to no avail. I frequently wake up 1 to 2 hours early with my mind racing and am unable to fall back asleep. Do you have any advice to prevent this or at minu,um advice on getting back to sleep when this happens?