181: Your Brain Runs on Light: A PhD Neuroscientist on Near-Infrared Therapy and Cognitive Health

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify, YouTube &amp; RumbleJoin our FREE CommunityPhD neuroscientist Ramona von Leden joins Meredith to connect the dots between light, sleep, mitochondrial health, and neurodegeneration. What's actually happening in an Alzheimer's brain? Why is sleep disruption the biggest modifiable risk factor? And what does near-infrared light have to do with clearing amyloid beta? A science-grounded, practical conversation for anyone navigating neurodegeneration in their family — or trying to prevent it.Timestamps00:00 Sleep, Light, and Brain Health01:07 Why Doctors Often Miss the Role of Light03:07 Meet Ramona von Leden04:48 Circadian Tools and Sponsors05:32 Ramona’s Neuroscience Background08:15 Why Energetics Matter More Than Drugs10:55 The Future Beyond Pharmaceuticals15:21 Why Neurodegeneration Is Increasing18:42 Mitochondria and Metabolism Basics21:33 Circadian Disruption and Sleep Loss25:26 Streetlights, Sleep, and Alzheimer’s Risk31:36 Inflammation and Brain Fog32:44 Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s36:52 Brain vs Nervous System37:49 The Brain–Nervous System Feedback Loop38:17 Mitochondria and Neurodegeneration40:14 Caregiver Routines and Sleep Support42:08 Movement, Light, and Screen Hygiene46:12 Technology Overload and Stress50:35 Autonomic Nervous System Basics52:42 Near-Infrared Helmet Demonstration57:35 User Results and Sleep Improvements01:00:56 The Future of Supportive Brain Medicine01:06:04 Where to Learn More01:07:32 Outro and ResourcesResources mentionedNeuronic light helmet: neuronic.onlineHello Brain Podcast (Ramona's podcast)Winback America Medical AffairsBraino vation NetworkOutdoor Nighttime Light Pollution Exposure StudyConnect with Ramona Von Leden, PhDWebsite: neuronic.onlinePodcast: Hello Brain PodcastSocials: @inthezonawithramona @neuronicThere's more to QBC: You can join the FREE QBC online community here: https://qbcpod.com/freecommunityThe Institute of Applied Quantum Biology, a non profit organization translating the new science into practical application: https://www.iaqb.foundation/certificationFrom our sponsor: For red light therapy devices, blue blocking glasses, circadian friendly nightlights &amp; more, visit boncharge.com and enter QBC in the discount box at checkout.MyCircadianAppDownload to your device from the App Store, use code QBCPOD. Make it easy to get your light right: this app tracks everything you need to have a circadian optimised life. Link: https://get.mycircadianapp.com/cXOl/QBCAPPRecommended Products:Lifewave phototherapy patches. Highly recommended for women 45+ or anyone with a condition or symptom they'd like to see shift. Start with x39.Purchase retail: https://lifewave.com/qbcpodcast/store/products/40825027-6466-4cb8-92d3-dfc318d34a65For more info from Meredith, fill out this form: <a href="https: