Do you really know? Why do we jump when we get scared?
Sep 30, 2025
Ever wonder why we jump when scared? The podcast delves into the amygdala's role in triggering our body's defensive startle response. Factors like context and perceived threats can amplify or dampen this reaction. It also explores why some people are more jumpy than others, linking it to hereditary traits and past traumas. Plus, the intriguing phenomenon of hypnic jerks is uncovered—those sudden jumps we feel right before falling asleep. Tune in for a fascinating look at a response we all share!
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Startle As Adaptive Defense
- The startle or jump response is an automatic defensive reaction triggered by perceived threats.
- The amygdala activates and directs rapid bodily responses like tense muscles and a racing heartbeat.
Context Shapes Startle Intensity
- Any strong sensory stimulus can be interpreted as a threat and trigger the amygdala.
- Context shapes frequency and intensity: more threatening contexts amplify the startle response.
Why People Startle Differently
- Individual startle reactions vary widely between people in the same situation.
- Heredity and past trauma can tune amygdala responsiveness and influence how strongly someone startles.