Norepinephrine — Alertness, Focus, and Stress
A catecholamine that helps your brain zero in on what matters — and fuels fight‑or‑flight when pushed too far.
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) acts both as a neurotransmitter in the brain and a hormone in the body. In the central nervous system, neurons in the locus coeruleus project widely and release norepinephrine to increase signal‑to‑noise: enhancing attention, vigilance and readiness to respond. At healthy levels, this supports focus, learning and working memory.
During stress, norepinephrine levels rise alongside adrenaline and cortisol, sharpening perception and preparing the body for action. Chronically elevated, however, norepinephrine can contribute to anxiety, racing thoughts, palpitations and insomnia — the same “wired” state that keeps you awake when you’d rather sleep.
Several medications, including some antidepressants and ADHD treatments, modulate norepinephrine to improve concentration or lift energy. As always, the goal is balance: enough NE to feel switched on and capable, not so much that your nervous system feels like it’s permanently auditioning for an action movie.
Why It Matters
Realising that your “too wired to relax” nights and “can’t get going” mornings both live on the same norepinephrine curve makes lifestyle tweaks and treatments feel more logical, less mysterious.
Closing Line
Norepinephrine is your brain’s highlighter; the trick is keeping it bright enough to see clearly without bleaching everything in stress neon.