subject: The Connection Between Sleep Apnea And Serotonin Or Htp-5 [print this page] Rough definition of serotonin Rough definition of serotonin
The neurotransmitter serotonin (Enteramin or 5 HTP) is mostly present in the blood, gastrointestinal tract or central nervous system. It is best known to strongly influence the sentiment of feeling well. Sometimes it is even called the "happiness hormone". Interestingly about 95% of it is usually located in the the gut of which 90% are in the enterochromaffin cells where it is produced and regulates the intestinal movements. Most of the remainder is located in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system and in the blood. Other than helping the intestinal movements it primarily impacts the tone of the blood vessels and signal transport in the nervous system.
How does serotonin influence sleep apnea?
Serotonin mainly impacts the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system.
1. Effects on the cardiovascular system
Serotonin mainly regulates the tone, relaxation and contraction of the muscles around the blood vessels. Meanwhile lung and kidney mostly profit from the contraction, the blood vessels themselves are more influenced by the relaxation. It is known, that malfunctions in the cardiovascular system have a major affect on sleep apnea. Disruptions in the serotonin levels will likely have an effect on sleep apnea.
2. Effects on the central nervous system
a. The feeling of well-being and mood changes
The best known effect of serotonin on the body is it's influence on moods through the central nervous system. At a serotonin level in the brain, that is too high, hallucinations and restlessness can be caused. Meanwhile depressions are often traced to low levels. Often bad aggressive temper and anxiety is also related to low serotonin levels.
BUT: Banana and Chocolate do not actually help by adding serotonin. The mood lightens through the intake of carbohydrates, that lead to an increase in the production of neurotransmitters.
b. Sleep-Wake Cycle
It is known since the 50's that serotonin strongly impacts the sleep-wake cycle. Concerning the mechanisms behind that, older studies have been very contradictory. Current studies show, that the wake periods are influenced by the activity of the serotonin containing neurons in the hypothalamus. The neurons are less active during sleep and almost inactive during the REM phase. Any change in the serotonin level will likely cause disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and likely have an affect on the exposure to sleep apnea.
c. Breathing
In order to receive signals from the brain, the nerves that regulate breathing need a certain amount of serotonin. The lack of sufficient numbers of neurotransmitters, caused by a problem in the serotonin system will likely cause sleep apnea. In addition the release of hormones like cortisol is controlled by serotonin receptors. The muscles that control breathing are among other things impacted by cortisol.
Following Dr. Murray, author of "5 HTP - The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia" sleep apnea that can be at least partially traced back to a low serotonin level can be treated by using 5-HTP as part of their overall medical care.
The recommended dose is 100 to 300 mg of 5-HTP before bedtime. Dr. Murray reports that sleep apnea patients that take 5-HTP sleep more soundly and wake up less.
On one hand this is great news, but it should be very clear, that the intake of 5-HTP can not cure sleep apnea alone. It has to be combined with other methods that deal with obesity, breathing techniques, lifestyle (alcohol/nicotine/narcotics) and so on. Make sure you talk to your Doctor before using 5-HTP or other medication and always consider interactions of different medications.
