The Cabral Concept 3513: How to Calm Catecholamines for Deeper Sleep (TT)
Sep 18, 2025
Struggling to unwind at night? Discover how catecholamines, like dopamine and adrenaline, keep your brain buzzing when it's time for bed. Learn the evening habits that trigger these chemicals, such as late workouts and screen time. Tune in for effective calming techniques, including herbal teas, light walks, and breathwork. Plus, explore helpful supplements like ashwagandha and magnesium to support better sleep. Say goodbye to restless nights and embrace deeper, more restorative sleep!
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Why You Feel Wired At Night
- Catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) drive focus and reward but disrupt sleep when elevated at night.
- An imbalance with calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA explains racing thoughts and nighttime anxiety.
Cut Afternoon Caffeine
- Avoid caffeine after noon (ideally by 1pm) because caffeine's half-life can keep catecholamines elevated into evening.
- Prefer decaf or Swiss-water processed coffee and never drink caffeine on an empty stomach to reduce stimulant effects.
Lower Evening Stimulation
- Reduce late-evening stimulating activities, including intense workouts and excessive screen time, which boost dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Use blue-light blocking or amber/red lighting and limit scrolling to blunt repeated dopamine hits before bed.