Sober Synthesis

Neuroscience of Time Perception

• The more dopamine and norepinephrine that is released in the brain, the more we overestimate how much time has passed (time flies).
  • Dopamine deficits (time drags) can be a risk factor for impulsivity (delay of gratification), including substance abuse. This is one reason why boredom can be a high-risk time for cravings.
• The more serotonin released, the more we underestimate how much time has passed (time perception slows down). 
• In the first half of the day dopamine and norepinephrine are elevated in the brain, body, and bloodstream; in the second half of the day serotonin levels increase.
  • One can be more successful doing work that involves rigid rules and high concentration in the early part of the day because of how dopamine and norepinephrine impact time perception for increased concentration.
  • Brainstorming and creative work/activities may be best scheduled in the afternoon and early evening when serotonin is higher. 
  • Afternoons and early evenings when time “slows down” can be a vulnerable time for cravings. 
• Other experiences that influence time perception include:
  • Traumatic/life-threatening experiences slow perception of time. 
  • People perceive time as lasting longer during meditation
  • Emotions can also stretch or contract time. 
    • For instance, looking at angry faces or watching a scary movie can slow the perception of time.
    • Novelty and exciting experiences are often perceived as speeding up time.
• When we have sleep disturbance, our sense of time is distorted due to disruption of the dopamine/serotonin circadian cycle.
• How to realign or “entrain” circadian clock:
  • 1. View 10-30 minutes of sunlight within an hour of waking
  • 2. Get as much bright light as you can throughout the day and as little light as you can in the evening
  • 3. Avoid sunglasses if you can do so safely
  • 4. Exercise at a consistent time of day
  • 5. Eat at consistent times throughout the day

Proposed questions for thought/sharing:

1. In recovery, have you noticed changes in your time perception? How have they changed? Is there a time frame that is most challenging?
2. What activities have been helpful during times of boredom and/or stress?

Disclaimer:

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.