Neuroscience & Performance - Unlocking Elite Performance with Dr. Tommy Wood

Unlocking Elite Performance with Dr. Tommy WoodIn this episode of Performance That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Tommy Wood — an MD trained at the University of Oxford with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo  — to unpack the science behind elite human performance. Dr. Tommy Wood shares his insights from helping Formula 1 drivers maintain focus and performance while driving at 200 miles per hour - touching on brain health, recovery, and why chasing perfection might be killing your progress.We explore the fine balance between performance and longevity, practical takeaways for everyday athletes, and what the latest research actually says about overtraining, sleep, and nutrition. 🧠 About Dr. Tommy Wood:Dr. Wood is a research assistant professor at the University of Washington, with a background in medicine and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience. He works with high-performing individuals helping them push the limits while protecting long-term health.Learn more: https://www.drtommywood.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/If you enjoy this video then follow along with TFD on socials;Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_fightdietitian/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jordansullivandietitian?lang=enLinkedin 00:00" rel="nofollow">https://au.linkedin.com/in/jordan-sullivan-211b1312000:00 - Intro02:08 - Who is Dr. Tommy Wood?05:12 - Working with elite athletes across sports08:45 - What neuroscience teaches us about performance14:22 - Stress, recovery, and cognitive fatigue19:33 - Brain health and long-term performance26:10 - The myth of perfect training32:45 - Sleep and overtraining38:02 - F1 drivers vs. fighters: lessons from both worlds44:10 - Nutrition and supplementation: what actually matters49:50 - Longevity vs. short-term performance55:15 - Tommy's personal routine and mindset01:01:02 - Rapid-fire: Best advice for athletes01:04:10 - Final thoughts & where to find Tommy