Stress: Portrait of a Killer

Editor's Take

Drawing on decades of research led by neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, this National Geographic film examines how chronic stress physically wears down the body. It sets his long study of wild baboons alongside human cases to show how ancient fight-or-flight chemistry now damages the heart and other systems. The argument is clearly built and well supported, translating dense physiology into terms a general viewer can follow.

Stress: Portrait of a Killer investigates how chronic stress physically damages the human body, drawing on decades of research led by Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky. The film follows his long study of wild baboons alongside human cases, showing how the same fight-or-flight chemistry that once saved lives now erodes the heart, the immune system, and even our DNA. It is a clear, science-driven look at why constant pressure makes us sick and what we might do about it. Anyone juggling deadlines and worry will recognise themselves in it. Free to watch in HD on Dr Documentary.

Courtesy of National Geographic on YouTube. Watch on YouTube ↗

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