The Science of Seratonin, and why Skylights will make you happy
Serotonin chemical formula is C10 H12 N2O.
It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has an enormous
influence over many brain functions. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit nerve impulses across synapses; synapses are the spaces in between nerve cells. Nerve cells are also known as neurons.
It is synthesized in brain neurons, from the amino acid L-tryptophan (C11 H12 N2 O2) and stored in vesicles.
The functions of serotonin are numerous and are involved in the control of appetite, sleep, memory, learning, temperature regulation, mood, behavior (including sexual and hallucinogenic behavior), cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation, and depression (1).
Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore serotonin that is used inside the brain must be produced within it.
Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan by a short metabolic pathway consisting of two enzymes: tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and amino acid decarboxylase (DDC).
The TPH-mediated reaction is the rate-limiting step in the pathway. TPH has been shown to exist in two forms: TPH1, found in several tissues, and TPH2, which is a neuron-specific isoform.
Serotonin is released into the space between neurons, and diffuses over a relatively wide gap (>20 µm) to activate 5 HT receptors located on the dendrites, cell bodies and presynaptic terminals of adjacent neurons.
The TPH-mediated reaction is the rate-limiting step in the pathway. TPH has been shown to exist in two forms: TPH1, found in several tissues, and TPH2, which is a neuron-specific isoform.
Serotonin is released into the space between neurons, and diffuses over a relatively wide gap (>20 µm) to activate 5 HT receptors located on the dendrites, cell bodies and presynaptic terminals of adjacent neurons.
The activity of serotonin arises in the brain stem from clusters of neurons known as the raphe nucleus. From the brain, serotonin neurons extend to virtually all parts of the central nervous system making the branching of the serotonin network the most expansive neurochemical system in the brain. The importance of this network becomes apparent when considering each serotonin neuron exerts an influence over as
many as 500,000 target neurons.
Serotonin is the precursor to melatonin and both work as neurotransmitters. Serotonin regulates sleep, calms you down and is light sensitive, and melatonin controls your sleep cycle, and they are totally interrelated.
Melatonin is excreted by the pineal gland and also helps with our Circadian rhythm, acting as a natural sedative. The brain releases melatonin only during times when the level of light is low.
As the evening draws in the darkness, the body’s serotonin levels rise and melatonin is released to start the natural sleep cycle. Your Circadian Rhythms are balanced and in tune, and life is great.
If you are deficient in serotonin, this will affect the production of melatonin and you will not sleep well. Lack of proper sleep can have serious health consequences.
A deficiency in serotonin can have a dramatic effect on your life. Deficiencies can lead to, and link with depression, with insufferable symptoms like sadness, fatigue and hopelessness, all from a lack of sunlight. It affects you, your mood, sleep, memory and learning, appetite, temperature regulation, sexual desire and function, social behavior, irritability, impulsivity, aggression and in extreme cases, a chronic lack of sun exposure has been linked to fertility problems, and several forms of cancer. All potentially avoidable by introducing yourself to a more sunlight/serotonin rich diet.
Serotonin and Melatonin are not magical hormones, they are founded in, and bound to, Science. Activated by the Sun, they not only regulate your natural sleep pattern, they reduce stress, slow down the aging process, and help you.....be the BEST you! Installing skylights enables this.
Chicago Skylights .... enables this
Melatonin is excreted by the pineal gland and also helps with our Circadian rhythm, acting as a natural sedative. The brain releases melatonin only during times when the level of light is low.
As the evening draws in the darkness, the body’s serotonin levels rise and melatonin is released to start the natural sleep cycle. Your Circadian Rhythms are balanced and in tune, and life is great.
If you are deficient in serotonin, this will affect the production of melatonin and you will not sleep well. Lack of proper sleep can have serious health consequences.
A deficiency in serotonin can have a dramatic effect on your life. Deficiencies can lead to, and link with depression, with insufferable symptoms like sadness, fatigue and hopelessness, all from a lack of sunlight. It affects you, your mood, sleep, memory and learning, appetite, temperature regulation, sexual desire and function, social behavior, irritability, impulsivity, aggression and in extreme cases, a chronic lack of sun exposure has been linked to fertility problems, and several forms of cancer. All potentially avoidable by introducing yourself to a more sunlight/serotonin rich diet.
Serotonin and Melatonin are not magical hormones, they are founded in, and bound to, Science. Activated by the Sun, they not only regulate your natural sleep pattern, they reduce stress, slow down the aging process, and help you.....be the BEST you! Installing skylights enables this.
Chicago Skylights .... enables this