CHEMISTRY OF SLEEP

Our body can assess external environmental conditions as well as internal needs and respond with the necessary chemicals – hormones, enzymes, steroids etc.

Let us explore some of these nighttime cocktail of chemicals that contributes to our health and well-being. Our body only secretes some of these nighttime hormones when there is darkness and we are in a state of deep sleep.

MELATONIN

Melatonin acts as an endocrine hormone that kick starts a cascading flurry of hormonal activities and processes while we sleep. It regulates sleep/wake cycle. this hormone is a very powerful antioxidant that mops up cell-damaging free radicals. When Melatonin meets a free radical, it transforms the free radical into another antioxidant, which in turn transforms other free radicals into antioxidants. The hormone also helps prevent tumor formation.

Melatonin tends to reduce any cortisol (dubbed the stress hormone) production at night. However, caffeine can increase cortisol and considerably reduce nighttime secretion of this powerful antioxidant.

SEROTONIN

Serotonin, the ‘happy messenger’ is produced in the brain but most of it is found in the gut (about 80%) and bloodstream. it is also found in the central nervous system (CNS).

this neurotransmitter (messenger) is believed to influence a variety of psychological and other body functions. Most brain cells are influenced either directly or indirectly by serotonin. In the CNS, it has various functions, including the regulation of mood, temperature, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, sexual desire and function and some social behavior. It influences some cognitive functions such as memory and learning .

Medication that targets Modulation of serotonin uptake is used to treat people with depression and Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Blood platelets store serotonin. It regulates bleeding and blood clotting as well as Aids wound healing.

In the gut, it is used to regulate intestinal movements. When irritants are present in food, more serotonin rushes to the gut to hasten its removal, resulting in diarrhea. Similarly, serotonin removes irritants from the blood through vomiting.

This hormone stimulates cellular growth to repair liver damage.

Serotonin controls the release of both insulin (regulates blood sugar) and IGF (regulates growth).

It may also control heartbeat and breathing.

TESTOSTERONE

Often called a male sex hormone, it is popularly associated with development of male organs and masculine characteristics. However, testosterone is produced by both male and female albeit at a significantly higher level by males. It is needed for growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density and strength as well as stimulation of linear growth and bone maturation.

During sleep, REM dream increases nocturnal testosterone levels.

Testosterone level is important for mental well-being. Its depletion is a normal consequence of aging. As a result, low levels of the hormone increases risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE [HGH]

The pituitary gland secretes Human Growth Hormone. Altogether this pea-size organ suspended just below the brain produces nine different hormones that regulate a number of essential physiological functions, including water and energy balance, reproductive activity and the workings of many other glands in the body.

Human Growth Hormone stimulates growth and cell reproduction, specifically growth of muscle (lean mass), protein synthesis and growth of internal organs (except the brain). It also promotes calcium retention, stimulates the immune system, and maintains the pancreatic islets, (which prevents diabetes and regulates the production of insulin). This hormone has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and reduces adipose (fat).

HGH is secreted during deep sleep. When the quantity of deep sleep decreases, so does HGH. Researchers found that inadequate amounts of HGH could lead to reduced capacity to replicate cells by the body, leading to loss of muscle mass, decline of organs and bone.

The relationship between the secretion of HGH and a state of deep sleep is an interesting factor. Some people propose that if we sleep better, we will age slower.