Adrenaline (epinephrine) is both a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal glands. It’s released rapidly in response to stress, danger, or excitement.
What Adrenaline Does:
Adrenaline prepares your body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, expanding air passages in the lungs, and redirecting blood to muscles. It also triggers the release of glucose for quick energy and dilates pupils for better vision. These changes happen within seconds.
The Fight-or-Flight Response:
When your brain perceives a threat, it signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. This rapid response system evolved to help humans escape danger. You might feel this surge during a near-accident while driving, before public speaking, or in any stressful situation.
After the Rush:
Once the perceived threat passes, adrenaline levels drop, and the body returns to normal. However, chronic stress can lead to frequent adrenaline releases, which may contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, and cardiovascular strain over time.
