Аuthor: Аbikenova Ayazhan
Editor: Kigbaeva Kamila
Have you ever wondered why with the onset of the evening you want to sleep or why the physiological rest of the body in the form of sleep we experience with our eyes closed?
The brain has an endocrine gland - pineal body, or epiphysis, which produces melatonin, the sleep hormone. Now you will learn about the features of this biological substance.
Melatonin is a regulator of sleep and waking periods. Its blood level peaks at 2 a.m., and at this time we sink into a deep sleep. The stimulant for its production is the darkness, which is necessary for a healthy sleep. On the other hand, we unknowingly create the conditions for the secretion of sleep hormone into the blood.
There is one interesting fact: the slightest light in sleep can reduce melatonin levels. That's why we wake up at dawn in the morning or we stop sleeping in sharp light at night. However, melatonin is also produced in the daytime, but in small quantities, and has, along with doubtful, also a relaxing effect. That is, with sufficient motivation, a person can refuse to sleep during the day.
In general, melatonin does not cause a direct desire to sleep, but only reduces the reactivity to external stimulants, thus providing a mild sedative effect. In contrast to sleeping pills, the sleep hormone does not cause unbearable fatigue and irresistible sleep craving. Melatonin secretion has age characteristics: older people produce less melatonin than young and adult people, so young people suffer from insomnia less often.
Sleep quality is the key to a productive day. Of course, for a healthy sleep you need conditions such as a warm ventilated room, comfortable furniture and emotional peace, but to create these conditions - in your hands, so let melatonin do its job!
