Shift work affect serotonin production

Individuals who want to increase their levels of serotonin can use drugs to help them in their goals. The amino acid 5-HTP can be taken as a supplement and enhance the body's ability to produce serotonin. Another amino acid called L-tryptophan that is used by the body to produce serotonin. However, prior to taking this supplement, the patient is advised to seek the approval of physicians and other health professionals. Individuals who choose to work at night should keep enough rest to reduce the bad effects that could happen. A healthy lifestyle and nutritious food regimen can increase serotonin levels and improve the quality of someone's life.


The 21st century is best characterized by the emergence an ultra-modern technology, commercial and business world, and unstoppable desire to get and in front. Because of these factors, the company's businesses compete in a world where the economy is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This phenomenon creates a demand for employees that will work even during the night until the wee hours of the morning. This work schedule employee lifestyles upside down, make a day of their time to sleep. The shift can disrupt normal body function, inhibiting sleep cycle, and lowered levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is found in the central nervous system and the impact of some of the functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, and sexuality. This Neurotransmitter can also increase cell regeneration.

Studies show shift work affect serotonin production a non-day shift workers tend to have lower levels of "feel-good" hormone called serotonin. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires led by Dr. Carlos J, Pyrrole studied 683 men and 437 workers compared the day to 246 workers shift. As a result, the levels of serotonin the shift workers ', as measured through a blood test is significantly lower than on a normal day's schedule. In addition to reducing the level of serotonin, shift workers also were found to have high cholesterol, the ratio of hip-to-waist, increased blood pressure, triglyceride levels and higher.

Because serotonin levels to manage sleep patterns and other body functions, University of Buenos Aires studies suggest that shift work can also cause what is called Shift Work Sleep Disorder. People with this disorder tend to stay awake when they should be sleeping. People get very tired during waking hours. This disorder occurs due to work schedule that occurs during normal sleep period. Therefore, people who have trouble getting to sleep because their bodies are still programmed to be awake. Time being asleep and awake is different from what is expected of the internal body clock.

Other studies have also found that non-standard work shift and night can affect the cardiovascular system and metabolism. This study shows that there is a possibility that shift work was directly responsible for high blood pressure and an increase in body fat, according to researchers from the study of Buenos Aires. In addition to the disruption of normal sleep patterns, decreased serotonin levels are also associated with other conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Lifestyle change can lead to increased levels of serotonin. To create a consistent levels of serotonin, sleep patterns should be consistent and the food regimen should include vitamins and minerals needed to control the levels of serotonin. Certain drugs and substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and drugs antidepressants should be avoided because they can deplete serotonin production.

Shift work affect serotonin production 2014-01-17T20:37:00-08:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Unknown