| Q: |
What is melatonin?
|
| A: |
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and has an
important role in circadian rhythms. The daily rhythm of melatonin
secretion is controlled by a built-in, free-running pacemaker, the
suprachiasmatic nucleus,
and is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Melatonin synthesis
is controlled by exposure to cycles of light and dark, and occurs
independently of sleep.
|
| Q: |
What part does melatonin play in regulating sleep?
|
| A: |
Melatonin promotes sleep and its secretion increases soon after
the onset of darkness, helping to keep us asleep at night. Melatonin
production usually peaks between midnight and 2am, then starts to fall
and is low during the day. It also helps reduce core body temperature,
which helps induce sleep. However, sleep is possible even when melatonin
levels are low. People who have their pineal gland removed have only
minimal disruption in sleep.
|
| Q: |
Does melatonin have any other effects on the body?
|
| A: |
Laboratory experiments have shown that melatonin has antioxidant
effects and suppresses the growth of some cancer cells. Laboratory
findings also show it has anti-inflammatory effects. When melatonin is
administered as a drug it has been shown to decrease levels of the
female hormones progesterone and estradiol. It also enhances the
secretion of prolactin (hormone produced by the pituitary gland).
Melatonin may reduce the sensitivity of the body to insulin, which can
raise blood sugar levels.
|
Other chemicals involved in sleep
A large number of
neurotransmitters and hormones regulate the sleep-wake process in the
brain and nervous system. Their major functions are listed here.
Other chemicals that
work together to regulate sleep include cytokines, prostaglandin D2,
growth hormone releasing factor, opiate peptides, bombesin, and
cholecystokinin.
Table
|
Norepinephrine/ Epinephrine
| The “fight-or-flight” chemicals. These stimulate, enhance, or prolong a waking, attentive, and aroused state. |
|
Dopamine
| Arouses the cerebral cortex (gray matter); involved in the regulation of movement and responsiveness. |
|
Acetylcholine
| Activates the cerebral cortex; increases vigilance. Levels are highest when awake and in REM sleep. |
|
Histamine
| Activates cerebral cortex during wakefulness. |
|
Hypocretin (Orexin)
| Promotes wakefulness and prevents sleep, including REM sleep. Stimulates energy metabolism and regulates appetite. |
|
Glutamate
| Stimulates the central nervous system and activates the cerebral cortex. Critical to wakefulness. |
|
GABA (gamma amino butyric acid)
| Inhibits wakefulness. Sleep-inducing drugs enhance the action of GABA to cause sleepiness and drowsiness. |
|
Galanin
| Inhibits wakefulness. |
|
Adenosine
| Induces sleep and is blocked by caffeine. Levels build up during the day and drop during sleep. |
|
Serotonin
| Has a tranquilizing effect. May prepare brain and body for slow wave sleep by reducing the body’s activating systems. |
|
Insulin
| Accumulates during active waking periods with food intake and can lead to induction of sleep subsequently. |
