Brain HealthHow to Control Aggression Using Neuroscience and Simple Daily Tools
This Huberman Lab Essentials episode dives into the neuroscience of aggression, covering the brain regions, hormones, and genes that drive aggressive behavior. Andrew Huberman explains how the ventromedial hypothalamus and related circuits govern different types of aggression, and how hormones like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and serotonin modulate these states. Notably, he explores how environmental factors — including seasonal light changes and melatonin — can shift aggressive tendencies over time. On the practical side, Huberman presents tools to reduce irritability and aggression: morning sunlight exposure and sauna to lower cortisol, ashwagandha supplementation for stress modulation, and acetyl-L-carnitine for managing aggression linked to ADHD. The episode bridges mechanistic neuroscience with accessible, actionable strategies relevant to anyone dealing with chronic irritability, stress-driven anger, or ADHD-related behavioral challenges.
