We all know someone, or perhaps you are that person yourself, who loves a bit of adventure, whether 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 that seeks this – Adrenaline!
Our bodies need adrenaline to survive, which plays an integral part in our fight, flight or freeze mechanism. For some, this mechanism is triggered too quickly and can lead to high anxiety and panic attacks.
Essentially adrenaline is a chemical released from the adrenal glands during high-stress or excitement moments. It causes several changes within our bodies; some functions are reduced, others suppressed, and some heightened. For some people, such as paramedics, adrenaline enables them to show up to work daily and respond to emergencies. For those who partake in dangerous adrenaline-fuelled activities, consider Event Medical Cover. Find out more about Event Medical Cover by going to Private Paramedic.
Adrenaline suppresses functions like digestion, blood flow, and pain sensitivity. Blood flow is directed to the internal organs that need it the most, including the lungs and heart. This is to be able to either fight or flight. Digestion is suppressed to help conserve energy once again to ensure that you can perform whatever task is needed and almost seem superhuman for a short time.
Heightened functions include creating an almost superhero-style quality to the body, and it is like jump-starting a car. After the release of adrenaline, blood pressure spikes, breathing is increased, and a surge of sugars are released into the bloodstream. Some people also report feeling like they are invincible and can do anything.
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, the increase in respiration helps to provide the muscles with more oxygen so they can operate at a heightened level. These heightened feelings make some people euphoric when they speed around the rollercoaster. These “highs” can last a while after the event and can almost become addictive in some way, which is why you find some people seeking new thrills.
There is, however, an after-effect of an adrenaline surge, which causes issues for people who experience them regularly, perhaps due to heightened anxiety levels, periods of high stress, or other trauma-related problems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This ‘let-down’ effect can include involuntarily shaking of the arm and leg muscles.