Procognitive window 4 – Serotonin and melatonin: balance is key
Serotonin and melatonin are important hormones that play a key role in regulating sleep, mood and other bodily functions. Serotonin, often referred to as the happiness hormone, affects our mood, motivation and activity. Melatonin (the sleep hormone), on the other hand, helps us fall asleep and maintain a good quality sleep, or the regenerative processes that occur while we sleep.
Both hormones interact with each other: serotonin is the so-called precursor of melatonin, the body uses it to produce melatonin. Getting enough serotonin during the day is therefore important for getting a good night’s sleep. Low levels of serotonin caused by lack of light can also affect melatonin production, causing sleep problems.
Consequences of imbalance
Prolonged imbalances in serotonin and melatonin levels can lead to various health problems:
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, restless sleep.
- Mood disorders: Depression, anxiety, irritability.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Lack of daylight in winter can cause levels of both hormones to drop. The result can be depression and fatigue.
Solution: biodynamic light
Spectrasol biodynamic light faithfully mimics the spectrum of natural sunlight and thus…
- …increases serotonin production. The use of light during the day stimulates serotonin production and improves the mood.
- …adjusts the circadian rhythm. Better synchronisation of the internal clock contributes to better sleep quality.
- …reduces the symptoms of SAD: Regular use of Spectrasol light can significantly relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
- …improves overall well-being. Good sleep, plenty of energy, better performance… Who wouldn’t want that? Physical health goes hand in hand with mental health.
How does Spectrasol work? (I recommend removing this paragraph; the ‘windows’ should remain informative, not sales-oriented)
Spectrasol light contains the full-spectrum mimicking the sun, which activates the photoreceptors through the eye’s non-image forming (NIF) system. These receptors send signals to the brain that affect the production of hormones, including serotonin and melatonin.
In conclusion: If you suffer from sleep problems, mood or seasonal depression, Spectrasol light can help you significantly. Its ability to regulate serotonin and melatonin levels leads to better sleep, higher energy and better mood. The solution is, of course, to stay outdoors in the sun as often as possible during the day.
