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At 65, I’m Trying to Upgrade My Brain with Light

2026-06-26 Science & Technology
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Modern Healthspan
Modern Healthspan
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Description

Can near-infrared light waves physically penetrate the human skull to optimize your brain? I am launching a 3-month self-experiment using the 1070nm Neuronic Light transcranial photobiomodulation helmet. Tracking raw data across my Oura Ring, Cambridge Brain Sciences, and daily mood parameters, I am testing if light therapy can objectively reverse cognitive fatigue and expand deep sleep architecture. If you would like to support our channel please consider joining our Patreon https://patreon.com/ModernHealthspan These are affiliate links - using them supports the channel at no extra cost to you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Neuronic Devices $100 Discount Code MODERN100 https://neuronic.sjv.io/YV2MLO https://neuronic.sjv.io/JkRgAa ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Most red light and standard near-infrared therapy devices are completely blocked by the dense bone structure of the human skull, failing to ever reach cortical tissue. To bypass this anatomical barrier, I am initiating a structured 12-week N-of-1 self-experiment with a dedicated transcranial photobiomodulation helmet delivering a highly penetrative 1070 nanometer wavelength. In this video, I break down the underlying cellular mechanics of photobiomodulation, exploring how photons are absorbed by mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase to upregulate cellular ATP currency and trigger a transient release of vasodilating nitric oxide. To avoid the placebo effect, I have established testing protocols using two weeks of Oura Ring data to isolate a clean baseline alongside automated cognitive task testing through Cambridge Brain Sciences. I chart my baseline heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate, memory processing metrics, and outline exactly what mitochondrial shifts I expect to see across this 90-day protocol. 📚 Chapters 00:00 Introduction - A 12-Week Transcranial Light Therapy Experiment 02:02 How Near-Infrared Light Penetrates the Brain 03:00 Cellular Mechanisms - ATP Production & Cytochrome C Oxidase 03:17 Strict Testing Protocol - 12 Week Trial Design 03:34 Daily Protocol - Glow, Focus & Peace Sessions Explained 04:23 Objective Measurement Tools - Oura Ring, Cambridge Brain Sciences & Mood Tracking 05:36 Baseline Results - Starting Scores for Sleep, Cognition & Mood 06:54 3-Month Expectations - What Should Happen in Each Phase 07:36 Conclusion - Your Predictions & Next Steps 🌐Scientific Reference Cambridge Brain Labs apps are available here https://app.brainlabs.me 🌐Selected Scientific References Study 1: The Healthy Human Aging Trial (Cognitive Performance) Citation: Dougal, G., Ennaceur, A., & Chazot, P. L. (2021). Effect of Transcranial Near-Infrared Light 1068 nm Upon Memory Performance in Aging Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 39(10), 654–660. Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34662523/ Key Parameter: Evaluated 6-minute sessions, twice daily using a 1068 nm LED array. Study 2: The Dementia Human Clinical Trial (Systemic & Cognitive Impact) Citation: Chao, L. L., Huang, J., Chazot, P. L., & Dougal, G. (2021). Transcranial Near Infrared Light Stimulations Improve Cognition in Patients with Dementia. Current Issues in Molecular Biology / Cureus. Source URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8219492/ Key Parameter: Tracked a randomized, sham-controlled 8-week protocol using low-power 1068 nm transcranial stimulation to support ATP upregulation and reduce anxiety/restlessness. *************************************** ⚠️ DISCLOSURE, SPONSORSHIP, & MEDICAL DISCLAIMER In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that the transcranial photobiomodulation device featured in this video was provided to me at no cost by Neuronic, and I maintain an active affiliate relationship with the company. However, Neuronic provided no financial compensation for the production of this video, maintained no creative control, and did not review or preview this script prior to upload. This video document represents a personal, exploratory N-of-1 case study tracking individual biometric variables and cognitive software metrics. Transcranial photobiomodulation is an emerging area of photobiology research, and individual physiological responses vary significantly based on hardware parameters, compliance, and underlying wellness baselines. This content is strictly for educational, scientific reporting, and personal journalistic purposes. It does not constitute medical advice, medical device endorsement, clinical diagnosis, or treatment for any neurological or cognitive condition. Always consult a qualified physician or neurologist before introducing specialized electrical, magnetic, or near-infrared technologies to your wellness routine.. ********************************************** #Biohacking #Photobiomodulation #BrainHealth

Top Comments (10)

@Jessica-kk1cz 2026-06-26

Thanks Richard, looking to hearing how it goes!

2 1 replies
@davidgifford8112 2026-06-26

Congratulations on your resting HR. I like your systematic approach to the proposed 90-day trial of the device. My only observation: is you planned frequency going to be too frequent for optimal results? For many IR devices often a maximum of 3-times a week is the recommendation. However not my area of expertise!

1 1 replies
@8803surri 2026-06-28

Interesting

0 1 replies
@DoctorHemi 2026-06-26

Interesting. I look forward to the results. Side note: It looks like that same helmet could be used to improve blood flow in my knee...two birds with one stone! 😉

0 1 replies
@scottmiller2591 2026-06-28

No notes; looks pretty good. There's always more that can be done, but this sounds very reasonable w/o overloading you. I'm looking forward to your results; I have tinnitus, and improving microvascular circulation w/deep penetrating wavelengths is interesting to me.

0 1 replies
@generalbystander1631 2026-06-27

Richard, looking forward to learn your results. Questions/ remarks: does neuronic require registration, ie, email/ phone to use their app? More importantly, Have they provided any experimental or clinical evidence supporting their device, especially wrt the notion that the higher wavelengths is necessary and beneficial? I seem to recall learning that red light benefits interact with tissues systemically, iow, without the need to target tissues directly, meaning getting through the cranium may not be so important since we can readily bypass it with light on the back or chest or elsewhere. What think?

0 1 replies
@smedleyjefferson1450 2026-07-02

Curious what results you'll get!

0 1 replies
@tetrahedralone 2026-06-26

I will be interested to see your results. You might benefit from one last data point at the 4 month mark to see the persistence of the benefits after termination of the protocol. Also, why not add regular blood pressure tracking to your data to see if the nitric oxide generation is perceivable? Lastly, it would also be interesting to see a follow up study looking at creatine as a third pillar of comparison.

0 1 replies
@restructured12 2026-06-30

You might want to pay attention to your visual acuity and your ability for sustained focus/concentration over longer periods of time, etc. Good luck with the n=1 trial and kudos to your diligent efforts.

0 1 replies
@ModernHealthspan 2026-06-26

If you would like to support our channel please consider joining our Patreon https://patreon.com/ModernHealthspan These are affiliate links - using them supports the channel at no extra cost to you. Neuronic Devices $100 Discount Code MODERN100 https://neuronic.sjv.io/YV2MLO

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