The Human Mind

We've all heard that light from smartphones, TVs, and computers can disrupt our sleep patterns. Light from these can also affect your circadian clock. In this talk, we will explore the fascinating biology behind this phenomenon, and also answer the question: “What is a circadian clock and why do we have it?”
Did you know…? Your circadian clock relies on specialized nerve cells in your eyes, which are particularly sensitive to blue light. They were only discovered in the late 1990s!

The process of falling asleep is an everyday phenomenon and yet has fascinated us for centuries. It has been denominated a window into the unconscious and a creative sweet spot amongst others. Embedded into these ideas, in my talk I will present our research on information processing in the transition to sleep and try to explain why we cannot remember the last sentences of our bedtime reading the next morning.

In my presentation, I shed light on why the conventional models of mental health, often based on male models, may not effectively address the needs of women - highlighting the importance for advancing women's mental health research. Additionally, I share findings from my own research, which investigates the impact of oral contraceptive use on women's brain function and socio-emotional processing.