Not many people have the luxury of falling asleep as soon as they go to bed. Others have to toss and turn for the better part of the night before they can catch some sleep, while others are forced to wake up before their alarms go off. Sometimes the reason for this can be unbalanced hormones in the body.
Hormones play a vital role in people’s everyday life, including regulating the sleep circle. Melatonin and Serotonin are both hormones that regulate sleep. But they don’t work the same way. If you’re feeling confused between melatonin vs serotonin, this article helps you understand better as far as your sleep circle is concerned.
Melatonin vs Serotonin Definition
Experts will refer to serotonin as a feel-good neurotransmitter responsible for happiness. The hormone is responsible for sending messages between nerve cells and, in turn, produces responses. These responses include emotions, memory, appetite, mood, and sleep.
According to scientists, high serotonin levels are associated with ensuring wakefulness, while lower levels are said to cause sleep. The hormone makes you more energetic and helps with sleep by promoting brain factors that ensure the same. Those with deficiencies in this hormone are said to experience trouble sleeping.
Melatonin, on the other hand, is a substance-like neurotransmitter. This is a hormone tasked with regulating the circadian rhythm, also known as the body clock. The rhythm is what controls the body’s hormones for sleep patterns.
When the darkness starts to form, melatonin production also begins. This means the body starts preparing these hormones hours before your bedtime so that it signals to your body that it’s time to rest. Sometimes, circumstances such as artificial light or blue light can inhibit the production of melatonin, making it hard for you to fall asleep.
Melatonin vs Serotonin Difference
Both hormones are known to play an essential role as far as your sleep pattern is concerned. But as far as they seem to work towards the same goal, there is a difference between melatonin and serotonin.
Serotonin is known to have many other functions in the body apart from just ensuring better sleep. The feel-good hormones keep you happy and relaxed.
You need the kind of energy to get out of bed and get going in the morning. Low levels of serotonin in the body mean you’ll feel depressed and have a weak immune system.
Melatonin is also known as the ‘hormone of darkness’ though it’s not as scary as it sounds. The hormone is produced in the brain whenever you find yourself in a dark environment. It winds the body to a more lethargic and sleepy state.
The hormone is also known to help with jet lag, which is a common sleep disorder. A deficiency in melatonin means you’ll have trouble falling asleep. To help with more hormone production, you need to switch off the lights or take melatonin gummies for better sleep.
How To Use Melatonin and Serotonin
Since both of these hormones are essential for various body functions, you need to put them to good use for your well-being. One way to ensure these hormones work to your advantage is to increase melatonin at night so you fall asleep. You need to boost serotonin levels in the morning so you feel energized and ready for the day.
To boost melatonin production, all you have to do is deem the artificial lights at night. You should also stay away from screen light coming from your computer, smartphone, and television. Finally, consider meditating before bed to help your body wind down.
Once the morning clock ticks, it’s time to boost the serotonin levels. You need to let natural light enter the room by opening the curtains and getting out so you can experience the open air. That natural light is enough to signal your body to produce more serotonin that you need to stay awake and happy.
Melatonin vs Serotonin Disorders
According to studies, 30% of adults in the U.S. sleep for only six hours a night, which is considered insufficient sleep. This means many people suffer from sleep disorders. Current studies indicate that taking melatonin hormone supplements before sleep helps people with sleep disorders fall asleep.
Therefore, melatonin is vital in treating insomnia, jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The medication is also helpful in managing other conditions such as depression, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and acts as an anti-aging remedy.
Serotonin is also effective in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. There are prescription drugs that help stop serotonin reabsorption. One of them is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin levels and help with depression.
Anyone taking or administering serotonin medication should be very careful as high levels can also be detrimental. Ingesting more than one drug to increase the serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome, which is life-threatening.
Melatonin and Serotonin Food Sources
One of the effective ways to add these supplements to your body is through different food sources. Taking foods rich in nutrients that aid the manufacture of these hormones is the easiest way to take them.
Cherries are rich in ingredients that add melatonin to the body. Others that aid melatonin production is bananas, milk, and oatmeal. These melatonin food sources are rich in vitamins, amino acids, and complex carbohydrates.
Foods that boost serotonin production include dairy, seafood, chicken, eggs, seeds, and nuts. These foods are rich in substances known as amino acid tryptophan. The same food sources can aid the production of melatonin and serotonin.
Boost Your Sleep Quality With These Hormones
There’s nothing as gratifying as waking up so energized and ready to tackle the day simply because you had enough sleep. That’s what serotonin and melatonin do to you. So, if you’re thinking of melatonin vs serotonin, think of them as two vital hormones your body needs to keep you going stress-free.
Are you looking for more clinically proven ways to enhance sleep and enjoy your life? Browse this site for more helpful information that helps you live your life to the fullest.
