When you go into a very hot sauna (210°F), the preoptic area communicates with the amygdala to trigger sympathetic nervous system activation (increased heart rate, adrenaline release), creating an impulse to exit the environment, which serves as a protective signal that core body temperature protection is at risk.

causalpending

Speaker

Andrew Huberman

Evidence Quote

the preoptic area has the opportunity to trigger the activation of the amygdala...when you are suddenly in an environment that feels too hot...your heart rate increases

Source

The Science & Health Benefits of Deliberate Heat ExposureAndrew Huberman
Created: 8/12/2026, 6:17:08 PM

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