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Essentials: How Your Brain Functions & Interprets the World | Dr. David Berson

Oct 16, 2025 40m 39s 9 insights
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Berson, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Brown University and an expert on the visual system and circadian biology. We explore how the brain processes visual information, from photons entering the eye to conscious perception in the cortex. We discuss color vision, the discovery of melanopsin and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, and how light regulates our circadian clock and melatonin release. We also examine the vestibular system's role in balance and motion detection, the cerebellum's function in motor coordination, and the midbrain's integration of multiple sensory inputs. Finally, we discuss the basal ganglia's role in decision-making and an extraordinary case of neuroplasticity in visual cortex. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. More Huberman Lab Essentials: https://hubermanlab.com/essentials
Actionable Insights

1. Leverage Brain Plasticity

Recognize that your brain is highly plastic and can be shaped through learning and experience, allowing you to alter what is easy or hard for you based on genetics and experience.

2. Train Senses for Plasticity

Engage in specific sensory training, such as braille reading, to repurpose brain areas (like the visual cortex) for enhanced tactile or other sensory functions, demonstrating the brain’s extreme plasticity.

3. Get Comprehensive Blood Tests

Obtain comprehensive blood testing to gain a key snapshot of your entire bodily health, offering insights into heart health, hormone health, immune functioning, and nutrient levels for detecting issues.

4. Reduce Mercury Levels

If blood tests reveal elevated mercury, limit tuna consumption, eat more leafy greens, and consider supplementing with NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to support glutathione production and detoxification.

5. Ensure Proper Hydration

Dissolve one packet of Element electrolyte drink in 16-32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during physical exercise, especially on hot days, to ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte balance.

6. Use AGZ for Sleep

Take AGZ, a comprehensive sleep supplement, 30-60 minutes before sleep to increase sleep quality and depth, as it contains sleep-supporting compounds in optimal ratios.

7. Supplement for Better Sleep

Consider taking clinically supported ingredients like magnesium threonate, theanine, chamomile extract, glycine, saffron, or valerian root to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

8. Avoid Bright Light at Night

Avoid turning on bright fluorescent lights in the middle of the night, as this can dramatically reduce your melatonin levels and negatively impact your hormonal status and sleep.

9. Prevent Motion Sickness

To prevent motion sickness, avoid visual-vestibular conflict, such as looking at a stable screen (like a cell phone) while your body is moving, as your brain prefers aligned sensory input.