What is serotonin [roughly]?

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] or Enteramin] is a neurotransmitter found primarily in the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and the blood. It is often considered a major contributor to well-being. Sometimes it is even called "happiness hormones." Interestingly, about 95% of them are usually located in the intestine, 90% of which are located in intestinal chromaffin cells, which produce and regulate intestinal movement in intestinal chromaffin cells. Most of the rest are serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system and blood. In addition to regulating bowel movements, it primarily regulates the tone and signaling of blood vessels in the central nervous system.

How does serotonin affect sleep apnea?

Serotonin primarily affects the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the nervous system.

1. Impact on the cardiovascular system

Serotonin regulates contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. In the lungs and kidneys, the contractile effect is the most intrinsic and predominantly relaxation in the blood vessels predominates. It is well known that dysfunction of the cardiovascular system has a major impact on sleep apnea. To be sure, changes in blood serotonin levels have a direct impact on sleep apnea.

2. Impact on the central nervous system

One. Mood, feeling of happiness

The most obvious effect of serotonin on the body is its effect on the mood through the central nervous system. If the level of serotonin in the brain is too high, it may cause hallucinations and irritability. Depression is usually associated with low levels of serotonin. In some cases, anxiety and poor aggressive temper can be traced back to low levels of serotonin.

IMPORTANT: Eating foods rich in serotonin [such as chocolate or bananas] does not affect serotonin levels in the brain. The lifting effect is due to the increased production of neurotransmitters in the brain due to high levels of carbohydrates.

Bay Sleep – Wake Cycle

Since the 1950s, serotonin has been known to have a regulatory effect on the sleep-wake cycle. However, research on this mechanism of regulation has long been contradictory. Recent studies have shown that serotonin mainly affects the wake phase through the activity of serotonin-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. This activity is reduced during sleep and almost stops during REM. Increases and decreases in serotonin levels can lead to interruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and therefore have a strong impact on sleep apnea exposure.

C. Breathe

The nerves that control the breathing require a certain amount of serotonin to communicate with the brain. The abnormally working serotonin system deprives the body of a sufficient supply of neurotransmitters, often leading to sleep apnea. In addition, the serotonin receptor controls the release of hormones such as cortisol. One role of cortisol is to help control the muscles needed for breathing.

Dr. Murray, author of "5 HTP – A Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia," can treat sleep apnea that can be traced at least partially to low serotonin levels by using 5-HTP as part of them. Overall medical care.

The recommended dose before going to bed is 100 to 300 mg 5-HTP. Dr. Murray reports that sleep apnea patients can better sleep 5-HTP.

On the one hand this is good news, but it should be very clear that 5-HTP intake does not cure sleep apnea alone. It must always be combined with other treatments for obesity, breathing habits, lifestyle [alcohol/nicotine/narcotics]. Before taking HTP-5 or other medications, consult your doctor and consider the interaction of antidepressants and serotonin levels.

Relationship between sleep apnea and serotonin was originally published on Spring