We all know someone, or perhaps you are that person yourself, who loves a bit of adventure, whether it’s the thrill of speeding around a rollercoaster or jumping out of a plane. Regardless of what activity it is that gets your blood pumping, there is one common thread between everyone who seeks this: adrenaline!
What Is Adrenaline?
Our bodies need adrenaline to survive, and it plays an integral part in our fight, flight or freeze response. For some people, this response is triggered too easily and can lead to high anxiety and panic attacks.
Essentially, adrenaline is a hormone released from the adrenal glands during moments of high stress or excitement. It causes several changes within our bodies; some functions are suppressed and others heightened. For some people, such as paramedics, adrenaline helps them respond to emergencies day after day. For those organising dangerous adrenaline-fuelled activities, consider Event Medical Cover. Find out more about Event Medical Cover by going to Private Paramedic.
What Adrenaline Suppresses
Adrenaline suppresses functions like digestion and pain sensitivity. Blood flow is directed to where it is needed most, including the muscles, heart and lungs, so that you are ready to either fight or flee. Digestion is suppressed to conserve energy, helping to ensure that you can perform whatever task is needed and almost seem superhuman for a short time.
What Adrenaline Heightens
Adrenaline gives the body an almost superhero-style boost, a bit like jump-starting a car. After the release of adrenaline, heart rate and blood pressure rise, breathing speeds up, and sugar is released into the bloodstream. Some people also report feeling invincible.
The release of sugar gives the body an energy shot, allowing you to jump out of that plane or run away from the tiger chasing you. Equally, faster breathing helps provide the muscles with more oxygen so they can work harder. These heightened feelings make some people euphoric when they speed around the rollercoaster. These “highs” can last a while after the event and can feel almost addictive, which is why some people keep seeking new thrills.
The After-Effects
There is, however, an after-effect of an adrenaline surge, which can cause problems for people who experience surges regularly, perhaps due to anxiety, periods of high stress or trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This ‘let-down’ effect can include involuntary shaking of the arm and leg muscles.