
← Huberman Lab
Essentials: Understanding & Controlling Aggression
May 14, 2026 · 38 min
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the neural circuits that activate and control aggressive states and behaviors. I discuss how hormones, genes and environmental factors such as day length can shift our aggressive tendencies. I also share science-based tools for modulating aggression, including sunlight exposure, heat therapy and supplementation with ashwagandha or acetyl-L-carnitine.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Aggression, Types of Aggression
(00:01:43) Context, Aggression vs Sadness
(00:03:11) Hydraulic Pressure Model of Aggression
(00:06:40) Sponsor: LMNT
(00:08:12) Brain Areas for Aggression, Ventromedial Hypothalamus
(00:15:26) Biting, Neural Circuits of Physical Aggression
(00:17:52) Sponsor: Eight Sleep
(00:19:09) Estrogen & Aggression, Testosterone & Competitiveness
(00:22:37) Seasonality, Sunlight, Melatonin & Aggression
(00:24:50) Cortisol, Serotonin & Aggression
(00:26:35) Tool: Reduce Cortisol with Sunlight & Sauna; Ashwagandha
(00:30:39) Sponsor: AG1
(00:31:58) Irritability, Aggression & Genetics; Seasonality
(00:34:49) Tool: ADHD, Acetyl-L Carnitine & Aggressive Behavior
Disclaimer & Disclosures
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