Part 7/16:
Light exposure influences melatonin production, with bright light suppressing it at night and darkness allowing it to rise. Disruptions to this system — such as exposure to bright screens during nighttime or retinal damage impairing light detection — can lead to sleep disturbances, alertness issues, and even mood disorders.
The Vestibular System and Balance
Transitioning to balance and motion, Dr. Buren discusses the vestibular system located in the inner ear. Tiny hair cells within the semicircular canals detect head movements along three axes, akin to three perpendicular hula hoops. When the head moves, fluid shifts within these canals, bending the hair cells and sending signals that inform the brain about orientation and motion.