Cortisol, Dopamine & Learning

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is linked with dopamine production in the brain. Levels of cortisol in the bloodstream are highest during the day, which in turn leads to higher dopamine levels during daytime. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is directly responsible for a number of important functions in the brain, including attention and learning.

Cortisol

• Cortisol is the body’s principal stress hormone and is secreted by the adrenal gland. When we endure emotional or physical stress, our brains respond by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream. After a night’s sleep, the hypothalamus needs glucose to "wake up" properly, and this glucose is obtained by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Dopamine

• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that plays a vital role in several functions of the brain, including behavior, sleep, mood control, attention, and learning. Motivation and reward are also important functions of dopamine.

Effects of Dopamine

• Increased dopamine levels tend to positively affect mood, creativity and alertness. Unusually high levels of dopamine can also lead to addictive behavior.

Cortisol and Dopamine Interaction

• Cortisol is needed for the hypothalamus to be fully alert. When cortisol is produced, it helps stimulate dopamine production in the brain. Helped by cortisol, dopamine levels typically remain elevated until midday. This is why most schools are open from early morning until late afternoon, when dopamine levels are at their peak.

Dopamine and Learning

• Dopamine is extremely necessary for the ability to learn and the motivation to want to learn. Dopamine levels are at their highest when cortisol is being produced, which is during the day. Cortisol levels are at their lowest at night, when the need for dopamine is lower.